Dale Joseph Haugan

Revillo, SD

1935, 2749, Sand Lake (Columbia), BF-2,

Dr. Dale Joseph Haugan was born in Revillo, SD on July 31, 1918 to Jon Haugan and Ester (Johnson) Haugan. He was the youngest of 15 children, the oldest having been Anna Haugan Berdahl. Dale graduated from the Revillo High School in 1935. He then served for a year in the Civilian Conservation Corps at Sand Lake, near Aberdeen, SD. While there he taught typing and published a monthly newspaper at the CCC Camp. Dales first civilian job was at the Woolworth Company in Aberdeen, SD. He would later be transferred to Sioux City, IA. He completed his career with Woolworths as Assistant Manager at stores in Appleton and Wausau, Wisconsin.

Dale entered the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942 and moved up through the ranks of the non-commissioned officers. He then attended Officers Candidate School and graduated as Second Lieutenant. Dale served stateside in Palm Springs, CA and overseas in Africa as well as the China, Burma, and India Theatre as an Air Force Supply officer. He was honorably discharged as a Major in 1946. Dale then entered pre-optometry school at the University of South Dakota. He graduated in 1950 from the Northern Illinois School of Optometry.

Dale was united in marriage with Margaret Kathryn Beck in 1951 in Mitchell, SD. Dr. Haugan began his Optometric practice in Sioux Falls, SD in 1951. In 1952, he moved his practice to Howard, SD where he practiced for nine years. After returning to Sioux Falls in 1961, Dr. Haugan would continue to practice Optometry for 40 additional years. He retired at the age of 83 after 50 years of Optometric Practice.

Dr. Haugan was the Visual Consultant for the South Dakota State Visually Impaired for many years. He was awarded the Robert L. Tyler Award in honor of his contributions in enhancing the General Welfare of Persons who are Visually Impaired. This Award was presented by the SD Lion Foundation.

While living in Howard, Dr. Haugan was a member of the public-school board where he had served as President. He was also a member of the Lions Club and went through the chairs of the Masonic Blue Lodge. In addition, Dr. Haugan was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church.

In Sioux Falls, Dr. Haugan was a member of Church of the Good Shepherd, where he had served on the Vestry. He was a member of the El Riad Shrine Rickshaws, the Morning Optimist Club and the Elks Club. He was a long-time member at Westward Ho Country Club, where he enjoyed playing golf and cards as well as enjoying taking his wife and family out to brunch and Saturday lunches.

Dale and Margaret were each other's sweethearts and life partners for over 60 years. Dale was a kind, loving and unassuming man. He lived his life to be the best provider to his family and to leave a legacy of honor and respect.

Dale leaves to mourn his wife of 58 years, Margaret; his three children, Douglas Dale, Pierre, SD; David Joseph and Mary Margaret; both of Minneapolis, MN; his daughter-in-law, Janet Lindholm Haugan; his son-in-law, David Andrew Gooding; his granddaughter, Katherine Lee Haugan; several nieces and nephews; his best man, Robert OConnor and his wife, Eileen, Sioux Falls; and many other friends.

Information provided by Andrea Harmes-Sindt

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