Harold Haugejorde

Harold (Hal) Haugejorde, 79, died at Miller-Dwan Hospital on May 26, 2004, due to complications of renal failure. Hal had battled multiple medical issues over the last few years and was lovingly cared for by his wife of 54 years, Beverly. Every visit with Hal during his last days involved his thankfulness for his wife, his family, and the wonderful life of which he had been blessed. The youngest of eight children, Hal was born on Jan. 24, 1925, to Harold and Anna Haugejorde in Minneota, Minn. Hal graduated from Minneota High School in 1942 and enrolled at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. Studies were interrupted as Hal joined the Army to serve his country in World War II. Hal's training included a stop at North Dakota State University. Based on his success, Hal was chosen to go to Of ficer's Candidate School and became an instructor at Fort Benning, Ga. In 1945, Hal was routed to Special Services in Japan, as First Lieutenant in command of a series of hotels in the Armed Forces. Hal returned to Augustana College in 1947, competing in basketball and football. Graduating in 1949 with high academic achievements, Hal received the 'Honor Athlete' of the year. Hal was inducted to the Augustana Athletic Hall of Fame in 1981. On Nov. 24, 1949, Hal was united in marriage to Beverly (Bev) Slieter of Hills, Minnesota, an Augustana Elementary Education student. Hal began to teach Social Studies and coach both football and basketball in Jasper, Minn. Hal earned his Master's Degree in School Administration at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. Hal served as a dedicated Superintendent of Public Schools; Heron Lake, for 13 years, New London-Spicer for 12 years, and at Mountain Iron, for five years. Since retirement in 1982, Hal and Bev made their home in Duluth, Minn. Hal was an enthusiastic educator and community leader. He was the guiding force for locating, funding, and the construction of the 'Little Crow Country Club' in Spicer, Minn. Hal was also instrumental in securing funds for the New London Fish Hatchery, one of the last federally funded hatcheries in the state of Minnesota. Using these lobbying skills to obtain significant improvements for the communities in which he lived, one of his last legacies was securing a state-of-the-art elementary school for the Mt. Iron school district. Hal was an avid sports fan, golfer, reader, and writer. He enjoyed working in the yard, especially riding his red tractor, mowing their park-like lawn. Travels mostly included trips to visit children and budding grandchildren, from the coast of Florida to California, Texas and Minneapolis. These trips included musical stops in Branson, Missouri for fun along the way. 'Handsome Hal' also enjoyed much friendly conversation with his friends at the Lakeside Bakery in Duluth. Hal was inspired and nourished with Bible Studies and Church Community at First Lutheran Church. Hal was preceded in death by his parents; and all of his siblings, five sisters; and two brothers. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Beverly; and six children and their families. The children are Ann Beth (Michael Bjornberg) of Minneapolis, Minn., Mark Haugejorde of Tequesta, Fla., Cynthia Haugejorde (Cidney Rattunde) of Minneapolis, Minn., Jayne Haugejorde of Duluth, Minn., Sonja Hurlburt (Bill Hurlburt) of Reno, Nev., and Stephanie Kershner (Ed Kershner) of San Antonio, Texas. The twelve grandchildren are, Anders, Nathan, and Marais Bjornberg; Katie, Ian, and Odin Holmes; Graham, Joseph, and Gustave Hurlburt; and Gretta, Clint, and Halle Kershner. Hal's family was his pride and joy! SERVICES:in Celebration of Hal's Life will be held at First Lutheran Church, 1100 East Superior Street on June 1, Tuesday, with visitation 11 a.m. services at 12 p.m. with lunch following the services. Interment will be at Park Hill Cemetery in Duluth, Minn. Memorials preferred to First Lutheran Church. Arrangements by Johnson-Crawford Funeral and Cremation, Duluth, Minnesota