Fredrick (Fred) Haugo, 77, Fargo, ND
Fredrick (Fred) Edward Haugo, age 77, of Fargo, ND, died on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at the Sanford Hospice House in Fargo.
Fred, the oldest of five children, was born in Decorah, IA in 1947 and grew up with his family in Starbuck, MN. He moved to Kasson, in 1958 and graduated from Kasson-Mantorville High School in 1965. In high school, Fred was passionate about sports, including football, basketball, and track. He also participated in Boys State and served as a lifeguard and swim instructor. Fred graduated from Luther College in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. During the summers he worked as a camp counselor and waterfront director at Camp Minne-Wa-Kan in MN. After graduating, Fred was drafted into the Army but was kept stateside as his brother David was already serving in Vietnam. Fred served from 1969 to 1971 (E-5 Electronic Specialist) and then served as a chaplain’s assistant (Soldier of God citation).
Following the Army, he moved to East Grand Forks, MN where he was youth director at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. There he met his soon-to-be wife, Judy, a fellow member of the church choir. Fred and Judy were married on October 20, 1973 in Windom, MN and in November 2023, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at St John Lutheran Church in Fargo.
In 1975, Fred started work at Steiger Tractor in Fargo as a welder. He then transitioned to an Industrial Electronics Technician and eventually a Robotic Technician at
Steiger / Case - New Holland. In 1991, he earned his North Dakota Master Electrical License. He retired in 2016 after working 41 years at Case.
Together, Fred and Judy raised their sons Ryan (1978) and Brady (1981) in Fargo. As a family, they were heavily involved in school, church, Cub Scouts, and community. Fred was known for serving as a lay assisting minister and scripture reader at St. John Lutheran Church. No one could end the worship service like Fred with his hearty “Go in Peace and Serve the Lord!” Fred was also an enthusiastic supporter at his son’s hockey and soccer games and track meets, with his positive encouragement rising above the roar of the crowds. The outdoors played a central role in Fred’s life. This included biking, walking, cross country skiing and snowshoeing with Judy along the Red River near their home in Fargo. For many years, a highlight was making a pilgrimage to Itasca State Park in Minnesota to bike amongst the fall colors and to walk across the Headwaters.
Fred’s pride in his extended family knew no bounds. His stories about his uncles, aunts, cousins and his own antics kept many entertained. While he loved to regale his family with tales of his youthful daredevil exploits (be ready for car hood or picnic table jumping competitions), he became known as “Mr. Safety” as an active member of the safety committee at Steiger / Case. His Norwegian heritage was also a point of pride and interest. Journeying to Norway in 2002 with his family was an experience of a lifetime.
More than anything, Fred was known for his positive, enthusiastic, and compassionate outlook on life, his contagious smile, love of people, and for helping others. As one friend commented, “Fred was always the nicest man in any room!” His friends and family are glad his suffering is over and he is in his heavenly home - he’s got his singing voice back and is now part of the great heavenly choir.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Marjorie (Mehus) Haugo. He is survived by his loving wife Judy; his sons Ryan (Rheta) Portland, OR and Brady (Melissa) Waterloo, IA; his grandchildren Eleanor, Ingrid, and Summer; his siblings David (Jean), JoEllen (David), Kathy (Leo), and Mark John (Cheryl); his brother-in-law David Bacon (Julieth), sister-in-law Joy Koch; and his nephews and nieces Andrew, Adam, Alison, Andrea, Ashley, Gretchen, Olin, Ben, and Jeff.
A memorial service will take place 11:00 AM Saturday, June 8, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church, Fargo. Visitation will take place one hour before services. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Fargo.
Arrangements entrusted to Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. To view the livestream and sign the online guestbook, please visit: www.Boulgerfuneralhome.com