Leland Haugen

Leland E. Haugen was born May 14, 1931 in Traverse County, Minnesota to Clarence and Margaret (Erickson) Haugen. He was baptized and confirmed at the Norcross Our Saviours Lutheran Church. Leland attended Norcross School and worked as a blacksmith in Norcross before entering the United States Air Force on December 30, 1950 where he served until December 8, 1954. For his service Leland received the Korean SV Medal, UN Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Occupational Medal. Leland then re-enlisted on February 14, 1955 and was discharged on May 26, 1960. For that service Leland received the Good Conduct Medal, and the Air Force Longevity Service Medal. During his time in the Military Leland married Tomoko Haugen in Japan. The couple returned to the United States and adopted a son George Haugen. Leland worked as a truck driver hauling livestock and gravel and later purchased the Norcross Cafe. Leland also sold insurance for Lutheran Brotherhood and worked road construction. Leland died Monday, November 20, 2006 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Leland was a longtime member of the Norcross American Legion. Leland is survived by one son George Haugen of Morris, Minnesota; four sisters: Helen (Milford) Larson of Herman, Minnesota; Eleanor Barber of Wellsville, Utah; Clarice Cox of Guston, Kentucky; and Marge (Jim) Hale of Franktown, Colorado; one brother: Jerry (Fern) Haugen of Long Prairie, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews. Leland was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Tom. Family is planning a memorial service for sometime next spring.