Donald "Hoppy" Haugen

   Donald “Hoppy” Haugen, 77, of Langdon, ND, went to his heavenly home on March 4, 2023.

   Donald Gene Haugen was born March 1, 1946, to Joseph and Elizabeth (Betty) Haugen in Langdon, N.D. He attended Langdon Public School, graduating in 1964. He was involved in a vehicle accident in 1958 and, as a result, walked with a limp for some time. His boss and friends he worked with nicknamed him Hop-along which became Hoppy and stuck with him forever. He attended Mayville State College where he was a member of the student senate, choir, and board of governors. He graduated in 1968 with biology and English majors. It was at Mayville that he met the love and strength of his life Elaine Campbell and married her on December 27, 1968. Now, 54 years later, she was still the strength and love of his life. Don taught in Hampden for two years and then came to Langdon to teach in 1970 where he taught another 32 years. He loved teaching and the students were special to him. He was inducted into the Langdon Educators’ Hall of Fame in 2005. He was appointed by Governor Schafer to serve eight years on the North Dakota Educational State Standards Board.

   Don loved Langdon to death, being involved in many organizations. He was very active in the Jaycees and served in state offices. He was so extremely proud of his 18 years served as a member of the Langdon Fire Department. Don served twenty years on the city commission, twelve as the mayor. He was president of the North Dakota League of Cities in 1989. He received the GNDA Community Leadership award in 1996. While serving on the city board, Don was most proud of projects such as the Transfer Station, the Activity Center, the Centennial (co-chairman) and the preserving the depot as a county library. Don served many years on the County JDA board and served as president of the Eagles. He was involved in the formation of the Rendezvous Region and the start of the Music Fest. He spent 14 years involved as an owner in businesses such as Hoppy’s Sportsman, At the Hop, and At the Hop Down Under (Mt. Carmel).

   A highlight in Don’s life was his Masonic affiliation. He was a Past Master of Lebanon Lodge No. 34, recipient of the 33rd degree in Scottish Rite, and aide to four potentates in Kem Shrine. He was also a member the Royal Order of Jesters. He just beamed with pride as his son, Danny, became Grand Master of Masons in North Dakota in 2021, a thrill hard to surpass. Don was also proud of being able to help raise his grandsons, Daniel Hart and Devon Haugen, as Master Masons. He also served on the United Lutheran Church Council and enjoyed the 30 plus years he sang in the church choir.

   Don’s heaven on earth was their trailer at Hall’s Landing at Mt. Carmel Dam, where they were in the original nine to set up home there. He lived there every summer from 1980 till now. He loved golf, curling and softball, but fishing and his hunting were dear to his heart. In fact, Hoppy and Larry Olson made 41 straight opening days for waterfowl hunting.

   Hoppy is survived by his beautiful wife, Elaine; children: Kimberly (Steve) Hart, Daniel (Tara) Haugen; grandchildren: Daniel Hart, Adam Hart, Devon Haugen, Jarret Obenchain, Alex Anderson, Madison Cole; and sisters Joanne Field and Mary Lu Eilers. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Bob; and his brother-in-law, Duane Field.

   Don loved to laugh and always enjoyed listening to or telling a good joke (some questionable). His wish was always to have a stone on his grave stating “This one’s on me”.

   I was Don Haugen, and I approve this message.

   A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at United Lutheran Church in Langdon, ND.  A visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. Masonic service on Friday, March 10, 2023 at Brooks Funeral Home. Burial will be at Lebanon Cemetery in the spring.

Memorials may be directed to Cavalier County Library (600 5th Ave., Langdon), Langdon Area School District Foundation (PO Box 408, Langdon), or United Lutheran Church music fund (1216 9th Ave., Langdon).