Lucille Haugen

Lucille T. Haugen was born on January 8, 1932 in Fosston, Minnesota. She graduated from High School in 1950 and went on to study bookkeeping at Aakers Business College in Grand Forks. Upon graduation, she went to work for No-Dak Electric in Grand Forks, as a bookkeeper. In 1954, upon his discharge from the United States Navy, she married Virgil. After a honeymoon throughout northern Minnesota and the North Shore, she continued to work at No-Dak Electric for many years, while Virgil attended the University of North Dakota, to study Electrical Engineering. Upon Virgil's graduation from UND, Lucille was awarded a degree in PHTC (Putting Husband Through College). Her "PHTC" diploma still hangs in the basement of their home. Lucille and Virgil were married for 56 wonderful years, before Virgil's passing in 2011. Lucille & Virgil have 3 children; Jeff, born in 1955, Diane, born in 1961, and Jackie, born in 1968. Lucille was also a loving and doting grandmother to 8 grandchildren and a great grandmother to 4. Her home and arms were always open to them for a visit and special treats. Lucille spent many years as a homemaker, member of the school PTA, and "room mother" as her children grew up during their school years. She also enjoyed the daily coffee club with neighborhood friends. After many years of sending her children off to school each day and being there when they came home, she re-entered the business world, to work for H&R Block in the area of Administration and District Support for offices in the north metro area of Minneapolis. She retired from H&R Block in 2001 after 22 years. She also loved to play cards, bingo, scratch off's and trips to the Casino with her friends and especially her daughter in law, Lynette.
Lucille was an active member of the American Legion Post 303 in Fridley, for 30 years. She was a Past President of the Ladies Auxiliary, for 4 terms, and served on many different groups and committees throughout her years. She loved organizing the yearly holiday parties for children at the Legion, including dressing up as Mrs. Claus, with Virgil as Santa. Lucille also volunteered her time to the City of Fridley Safety Camp for children, and delivering Meals on Wheels for many years.
Lucille and Virgil enjoyed traveling around the United States from coast to coast, north to south, including many camping trips to their river lots north of Aitkin, MN. Trips to Disneyland and Disneyworld were also a favorite of hers, Virgil's, and the kids. One of their favorite vacation trips was a two week Alaskan Cruise. They also enjoyed trips to Branson, Missouri, as well as their time share units at Breezy Point in northern Minnesota. Lucille and Virgil loved fishing together and would bring home catches of perch, sunfish, and crappies for Friday nights of cleaning fish in the back yard and frequent "Fish Fries" that included the kids and neighbors. Throughout Lucille and Virgil's 56 years of marriage, they loved to go dancing at local dance halls, American Legion Posts, and VFW's. They were light on their feet and truly danced as "one". Their children frequently joined them and watched in awe as they glided around the dance floor to their favorite music. Lucille lived a life of strong values; Family, Commitment, Volunteerism, and being a trusted friend. Honesty, Love for others, Selfishness, and being a loving wife and mother above all. She always saw the good in others, putting them first before herself.
After being diagnosed in 2008 with cancer, and fighting courageously for almost 4 years, she left our world, peacefully and in the comfort of her home, with her children at her side. Lucille is once again "dancing with Virg". She has been reunited with those family members and friends that passed before her. You are a better person for having known Lucille. She will be dearly and deeply missed by her family, friends and those she touched during her 80 years on earth. May God rest her soul.
Lucille is survived by her children, Jeffery (Lynette) Haugen, Diane Haugen, Jacqueline (Patrick) Gibbs,; Grandchildren, Angela (Jason ) Eckman, William (Tiffany) Haugen, Nicholas and Joseph Haugen, John and Anthony Knutson, J.P and Savanah Gibbs; as well as 4 Great Grandchildren; Braden Eckman, Ella, Saige, and Liam Haugen.
Visitation from 5 to 8 pm Monday, April 9 in the Miller Funeral Home Chapel, 6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley. Funeral Service 11 am Tuesday, April 10 with visitation 1 hour prior at St. Philip's Lutheran Church, 6180 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley. Interment Hillside Cemetery, Mpls. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.