Lyle John Haugen

Lyle John Haugen - October 6, 1927 - November 12, 2024

Ardis Beverly (Adamson) Haugen - October 23, 1929 - November 14, 2024

Lyle, age 97 and Ardy, age 95 passed away peacefully at The Gardens at Columbine Assisted Living in Littleton, Colorado less than 36 hours apart from each other. They were an example of true love and were loved by many, including caregivers and hospice workers who tended them in their last days. They will be missed by everyone who knew them.

Lyle was born October 6, 1927, in Thief River Falls, MN to Herman and Mabel (Kellberg) Haugen. An accomplished Eagle Scout and an early graduate of Portland, ND High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy at age 17 on June 26, 1945. He began active duty on July 17, 1945, and served stateside in the Upper Midwest supervising prisoners on work detail. When superior officers posed the question, “Who among you can type?” Lyle raised his hand and was consequently assigned to a clerical job in San Francisco processing discharge papers for WWII GIs following their active duty in the Pacific Theater. He was honorably discharged from active duty on July 25, 1946, from the reserves on February 11, 1952, and was awarded the Victory Medal for his service to our country. He continued a life of service as an educator in various fields of science, always displaying reverence for his country, family, students, church, alma mater, and friends.

Ardis was born in Grand Forks, ND to Adolph and Adeline (Erickson) Adamson. After graduation from Petersburg ND High School, she attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN where she met Lyle who was attending college on the GI Bill. As a young coed two years behind him in their college careers, her “swagger” caught his eye, and they became college sweethearts. They were married on June 12, 1949, in Dahlen, ND. Ardy would finish her college career years later when she earned her degree from the University of Minnesota and began a late life career, teaching special education for 13 years.

During their 75 years of marriage, their homes included Cooperstown ND, Hendrum, MN, Pelican Rapids MN, Burnsville MN, Centennial CO, and Littleton, CO. They were blessed with four children who, along with their spouses, loved them very much. The family cabin on Lake Lida near Pelican Rapids, MN was a favorite family vacation spot, enjoying lake life during the summers. As grandchildren arrived, there were many family gatherings in Winter Park, CO for summer and winter activities, enjoying various celebrations amid their love of the mountains, including Indian Mountain and Bailey, Colorado.

As lifelong learners, they continued to explore on their own during their retirement years and attended 35 Elderhostels (now known as Road Scholar), traveled to all 50 states, and made 2 trips to Norway. Lyle loved to “chase the family tree” with Ardy, as he studiously researched genealogical lines back 400 years. Family was a treasured part of their lives.

Those who knew them well also knew that it was Brandy Manhattan Time every day at 5 o’clock (until they could no longer enjoy them).

They are survived by their children, Pam Teorey (Tom) of Arizona, Tere Isaak (Byron) of Colorado, John Haugen (Lisa Vitale) of New York, Sarah Krolak (Steve) of Minnesota, grandchildren Nick Isaak, Ahna Isaak-Sinclair (Chris), Stefan Haugen (Rebecca Spear), Dani Siegel (Mike), Taylor Krolak, Tessa Haugen, and great grandchildren Evelyn and Brenna Siegel, who were fortunate to meet their great grandparents.

A private service with immediate family will be held at a later date in Burnsville MN with military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Memorials can be sent to the Advancement Office at Concordia College, 901 8th Street South, Moorhead, Minnesota to the Lyle and Ardis Haugen Endowed Scholarship. Their legacy will help sustain financial assistance for future students at their beloved alma mater.