James O. Hauan

James O. Hauan (1930-2025) Jim Hauan, 94, of Robbinsdale, MN, formerly of Crystal, MN, died on July 28, 2025. He was born September 30, 1930 near Thompson, IA to Ole and Margaret (Sunde) Hauan. Jim graduated from Thompson High School (1948) in Thompson, IA and Dunwoody Institute (1958) in Minneapolis, MN. In 1961 he married Emily DeJong from Mitchell, SD. After high school Jim served in the Navy from 1950 to 1954 and became a lifetime VFW member. Jim retired from Sheet Metal Local 10 in 1993. He attended St. James Lutheran Church for 60 years, and volunteered for over 30 years at the church and the local NEAR Food Shelf in Crystal, MN. Jim will always be remembered for his love and devotion to family, his compassion for others, and his strength as a faithful provider. He was Emily's best friend, guide, and protector. Jim was calming with a unique ability to find peace and light in all situations, passed on from his "mom and pop." He was the kindest and sweetest husband, father, and grandfather one could ever have. In high school, Jim lettered in baseball, a spring board to his VFW baseball days and a life long following of Minnesota sports teams including the Twins, Vikings, and Gophers. He found joy in music, starting with listening to his mom play the piano. He had a passion for the accordion, saving up and buying his first "button box" when he was just 14 years old. He was always singing around the house, and loved old-time country music, as well as a good polka and waltz. Jim even taught his wife to dance and swept her off her feet. Jim was always admired for his remarkable skills with wood and sheet metal, including construction projects at home and for others, as well as restoring the sheet metal window dormers on the historic Grain Belt Building in NE Minneapolis. After retirement, Jim's happy place was basking in the sun on the deck he built with a cup of coffee, the newspaper, and a sudoku in hand. He also enjoyed dabbling in the stock market, a good game of cribbage or solitare, and a brandy 7up. Jim was an active volunteer, always generously willing to lend a hand, especially when he was called to make lefse for the annual church dinners, a tradition and skill he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He loved camping and traveling. He and Emily visited every state, traveled the whole of Canada, and made a special trip to Norway to visit the homes of his grandparents. He always felt delight and pride in his children and grandchildren and their journeys. His grandchildren treasured being "breakfast pals" with Grandpa and his buddies over the years. Jim went to every game, recital, and performance. He loved reading bedtime stories and especially adored snuggling up with his grandkids, with plenty of silly tickles, giggles, and nuzzles. Jim had a funny bone and a sweet tooth, and he could lighten any room with his understated and humble wit. Jim drew us all in with his kind and gentle spirit that will live on in our hearts always. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ole and Margaret; his brothers, Harlin, Merle, Milton, Ray, Dean, and Myron; his sisters, Lela and Alice; his infant son; and his son-in-law, Josh. He is survived by his wife, Emily; his daughters, Susan (Josh deceased 2010) and Carri (Lee); his grandchildren, Erik, Sarah, Alice, and Bennett; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5-7pm on August 19 at Glen Haven Chapel, 5125 W. Broadway, Crystal, MN 55429. Memorial donations in Jim's name may be made to St. James Lutheran Church, 6700 46th Place N, Crystal, MN 55428 (www.stjamesincrystal.org) or to the NEAR Food Shelf, 5209 W. Broadway, Crystal, MN 55429 (www.nearfoodshelf.org).