With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Richard “Dick” Haug, beloved husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend, who left us on Tuesday, September 17 at the age of 94.

Richard J. Haug

Dick was born December 3, 1929 in Steele County, Minnesota. Throughout his life Dick embodied kindness, generosity, and an unwavering sense of integrity. He graduated from Ellendale High School in Minnesota in 1947 and quickly joined the U. S. Army, serving 21 years, and rising to the rank of Command Sergeant Major. After retiring from the Army, Dick worked a short time with his brother-in-law at the Fertilizer Plant in Clarks Grove. He then went on to become Manager of the Clarks Grove Co-op Creamery in Clarks Grove, Minnesota for 25 years. Dick’s retirement from the creamery coincided with the closing of the creamery. To keep busy after retirement, Dick volunteered to be a Ride Share driver for Ride Services in Albert Lea, MN. Until age 80, he, in his words enjoyed taking the “old people” to their various appointments. Dick touched countless lives while in the Army, working at the creamery and volunteering with his dedication and love for working with people.

Dick loved athletics, both as a participant and fan. As a participant, he enjoyed softball and was a regular at the golf course. As a fan, he was an avid fan of both the Twins and the Vikings. As his grandchildren grew up he became a fan of whatever sport each was involved in.

Dick is survived by his wife of 72 years, Arlyss (Demmer); his 2 children, Dan (Patti), and Renae Mesch; 5 grandchildren, Kelsey Mesch (Joe Slattery), Karter White (Steve), Brittany Critchfield (Kyle), Davis Haug, and Alecia Guervara (Ruben); and 8 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Irene Wanous of Owatonna, Minnesota; sisters-in-law Norma Demmer of Albert Lea, MN and Devonna Olson of Amery, WI.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, David and Luella Haug, as well as his brothers Dale and Lowell Haug, son-in-law Gary Mesch, mother-in-law, seven brothers-in-law, and six sisters-in-law.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Dick’s life at Lutheran Church of Hope in Broomfield, Colorado, on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service. Lunch will be served following the service and prior to burial, which will be at 1:30 pm at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado, with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, any donations are requested to be made to Lutheran Church of Hope in Broomfield.

If unable to attend, the funeral service will be webcast at the following website – www.lchope.org/watch. The service will also be archived on the website for several months following.

Dick’s absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him. His spirit will live on in the memories all have shared with him and the multiple lives he has touched.