Paul Alan Haugen

1956 - 2018

Paul Alan Haugen

Paul Alan Haugen, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle left us unexpectedly on October 3, 2018 to be with the Lord. He was born on May 7, 1956 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to William L. and Judith A. Haugen. Paul was a long time resident of Scottsdale, Arizona, having moved to Scottsdale in the early 1960s with his family.

Paul's loving and fun-filled spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was a joy to be around and had a contagious sense of humor. His family and friends will always remember him with a smile on his face, while often playing guitar at family gatherings. Paul met his wife, Kathryn (Kathy), when he came to her family home to play guitar with Kathy's sister. They fell in love and were inseparable throughout their almost 38 year marriage. Paul was the love of Kathy's life and her best friend. Paul and Kathryn were blessed with two children, Caroline and Clayton, who were the center of their life. Paul always put spending time with his family as a priority. His children adore him as do their friends who speak of how much hanging out with him was not only fun, but also had a positive impact on their lives. Paul's grandchildren, Zoey and Zeke, affectionately called him "Koko". They were ecstatic when they saw him walk through the door, usually running around yelling "Koko, Koko, Koko". They could not contain their enthusiasm for the fun and adventures they would have with him. Paul's family is blessed to have spent a lot of time with him creating precious memories they will have forever.

Even though Paul spent as much time as he could with his family, he found time to have a prestigious career as a physics professor at Scottsdale Community College (SCC). Students spoke of what a great teacher he was, and that they learned physics in some of the most interesting classes ever taught. His passion for teaching physics was infectious and students not only learned, but were entertained with his curiosity provoking questions and hands on demonstrations. Paul earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Arizona State University and later earned his doctorate in 2011 from Curtin University in Perth, Australia.

Paul was an avid boater from a very young age, when he and his family enjoyed boating on the Arizona lakes. After retiring in 2015, Paul and Kathy spent as much time as they could on their boat in Coronado, California enjoying their children and grandchildren joining them as much as possible. Paul also loved inventing. He received a patent for one of his inventions and recently developed an innovative system to use on boat windows. He was relentless in applying physics in creative ways to make things work better.

Paul is survived by his wife Kathryn (Kathy); his daughter Caroline (Jesse) Zunke; son Clayton; father William; brothers Mark (Jane) and Joel (Beth), sister Lura (Ken); grandchildren Zoey and Zeke; nieces Crystal, Lyndsey, Kelsey, nephews Corrigan, Matthew, Bennett, Davis; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws. Paul was preceded in death by his mother Judith Branley Haugen.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 to 6 pm on October 11, 2018 at Messinger Mortuary (7601 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ) followed by 6 PM Rosary service and sharing of memories. Funeral mass will be at Blessed Sacrament Church (11300 N. 64th St., Scottsdale AZ 85254) on October 12, 2018 at 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Physical Science Department at Scottsdale Community College. Please write Paul Haugen in the memo line and mail checks to:
Physical Science Department
Scottsdale Community College
9000 E. Chaparral Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85256