David Lowe Hauge

David Lowe Hauge was called up to heaven on Saturday, August 17, 2019 and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was a strong man of deep and quiet faith who was a role model to his family. David lived his life with courage, commitment, and a sense of adventure. The memorial service will be Saturday, August 24, 2019, 11 AM, at Faith Viera Lutheran Church, 5550 Faith Drive, Rockledge, Florida 32955. David was born (on the kitchen table) in Hixton, WI to Gertrude and Walter Hauge in 1933. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Whitehall. After high school, he served in the US Navy for four years before marrying his high school sweetheart, Louise Kaas. He attended the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and a floral design school in Chicago. His first major job took them to Minneapolis as a floral designer at Bachman’s, Inc. He and Louise became the parents of three children: Kay, Jane, and Daniel. Family was always a priority and with his extraordinary zest for life he looked for wonder in the ordinary day or planned the next adventure. Whether it was nightly trips to the lake in the summer, finding hills to slide on in the winter, camping trips to the Boundary Waters, or journeys around the country, Dave focused on teaching his children an enjoyment for life and the beauty of God’s creation. Dave was a born entrepreneur and in 1963 he began his first business, Dave Hauge Designs. He developed an interest in floral containers and started a manufacturing facility. He and Louise decided to take their company to their rural roots, Pigeon Falls, WI and raise their children in a small-town setting in 1970. Their home with its massive back porch soon became the gathering place for people in this close-knit community, or visitors from around the world. Dave and Louise were always warm and welcoming with coffee and goodies offered most any time day or night. Many a lively story was shared or an idea was hatched on that porch. In the backyard he started Floral Farms, initially a wholesale dried flower dying and processing plant. Dave started traveling throughout the world in search of new sources and types of plants. He found exotic pods, grasses, and blooms in the US, Europe, India, South America, the Philippines, and the Caribbean introducing them to markets across the world. He developed several patents along with his son-in-law, Jeff Dokkestul, who married his oldest daughter, Kay. They later began preserving many varieties of green plants which led to an eventual move to Florida in 1985. Dave and Louise moved to South Africa when he was 60 where they opened another preserving factory to process the unique flora and greenery he found around the country by driving around or hiking through the hills. He often spoke fondly of their three years exploring South Africa. After returning, Dave and Louise retired. They made a move closer to the coast in 2004. Once in Viera, he and Louise joined Faith Viera Lutheran Church. They greatly enjoyed their church and community. David was very proud of his 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Many of these were able to attend a week-long celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary in northern Minnesota, another of Dave’s favorite places. He spent 11 of his retired summers there with Louise in Grand Marais. David is survived by his wife, Louise, sister, Marilyn Speerstra, children, Kay Dokkestul (husband Jeff), Jane Varghese (husband Koshy), (Daniel’s wife Bonnie), grandchildren, Joshua Dokkestul, Kelsey Dokkestul, Nicole Fetner, Joel Dokkestul, Dustin Hauge, Jacob Hauge, Luke Rosten, Erik Hauge, Kira Hauge, and nine great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, his son, Daniel Hauge, and his brother, James Hauge. Donations in Dave's memory may be made to: Hospice of St. Francis Christian Education Group (provides curriculum, resources, and funding for churches and schools around the world, particularly the middle east). Dave's daughter Kay and her family are involved in this ministry. Faith Viera Lutheran Church