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Donald Haggar Obituary
Donald Abraham Haggar was born on March 12, 1924, to Kalil and Sadey Haggar in Sioux Falls, SD. He graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls in 1942. In his youth, he worked in the family grocery business (K Haggar and Sons). In 1943, he joined the Army and served as a medic in the European theater. He was a true war hero who earned a bronze star and a purple heart for his service to his country.
After World War II, Don returned to Sioux Falls. He earned a law degree from the University of South Dakota in 1950. He served in the Army reserve and later the Air Force reserve until 1961; during his time in Sioux Falls, Don was a managing partner in K Haggar and Brothers grocery.
Don married Ruth Miller of Terrill, Iowa, on October 15, 1950.
In 1958, Don was elected from Minnehaha County to the State House of Representatives. He was appointed South Dakota State Highway Director in 1960 by Governor Archie Gubbrud and moved the family to Pierre. One of Don's proudest accomplishments during his tenure as Highway Director was overseeing the construction of I-90 and I-29.
After leaving government service, Don and Ruth stayed in Pierre with their daughter and five sons. Don practiced law, served as a lobbyist, and operated a farm and ranch real estate company in Pierre. After Ruth's death in 1989, Don retired to Sioux Falls.
Grateful to have shared his life are his children, Bruce of Friday Harbor, Washington, Patricia and her husband Clancy Barrett of Gravois Mills, Missouri, Don and his wife Michele (Boyer) of Sioux Falls, SD, Paul of Franklin, North Carolina, David of Lander, Wyoming, and Brian of Sioux Falls, SD. Don loved and was loved by his grandchildren, his great grandson, his many nieces and nephews, and his cousins. He was a family centered man who always had a loving smile. Don was truly a kind and wonderful man. He was loved and respected by all who knew him.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Ruth; his sisters, Naify, Madeline, and Jacqueline; his brothers, Abraham, David, Thomas "Tom", Theodore "Ted", and James "Jim"; his grandson Zane.
A family directed memorial service will be held at Trail Ridge Retirement Community at 1:30 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2013. Friends and relatives are invited to gather with the family for lunch and fellowship afterwards.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Haggar
6 Entries
Vida and Jim Melstad
March 8, 2013
To the Haggar family: I still remember Don and his soft voice quite well even though I had not seen him for many years. He was always kind and positive. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peg Janke
March 2, 2013
Tricia--You had been on my mind so much this past week. My prayers strengthen and memories comfort you and your family at this difficult time!
March 1, 2013
We are John & Gladys Haggar. John is the brother of Nathan & Richard - you mibght have known them. We now live in Huron and do not get to Sioux Falls often anymore, however, the last time we were there, we called and visited with Don. I remember your Mother as a friend when we both lived in Sioux Falls. Since we are unable to attend Don's funeral, we will not be able to meet you, to tell you how much we have always kown and loved Don. If any of you are in Huron, please contact us. We would love to visit with you. We know you will miss your Dad but please know that he truly was loved. We hope your memories of the happy times with your Dad will ease the sorrow of losing him. With love, Gladys & John
Loren & Wanda Schoeneman
February 27, 2013
Wish we had been able to meet him. Sounds like a fine man. We send our sympathy.
Harold harold Schuler
February 27, 2013
Don Haggar was a fine legisltor, highway director, and lobbyist for the SD Pharmaceutical Assoc. We will miss him.
Mark and Nancy Gerdes
February 26, 2013
Our sympathy and prayers
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