Merlyn Haugen

Merlyn Haugen, 69, native of Argyle, MN, died on Saturday, October 19, 2019, at the Fargo (ND) VA Medical Center.

Merlyn Gene Haugen was born on February 21, 1950, in Warren, MN, to Melvin C. and Anna O. (Hanson) Haugen. He was raised on the family farm seven miles east of Argyle, and graduated from Argyle High School in 1968. In March of 1969, Merlyn enlisted in the US Army. He served in Vietnam, under combat conditions, with the 3rd Battalion of the 196th Infantry. He was honorably discharged after a year, returning home to tend to the family farm. He was active in the Argyle American Legion, Post 353, for the next 49 years, serving as Commander between 1989-90. Merlyn had a passion for his fellow veterans, assisting and advocating for many in getting the benefits they deserved. He was grateful that God had spared his life overseas and in thanks was instrumental in getting the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall to Argyle in 2008.

Following his discharge, Merlyn met his future wife, Pauline of Inver Grove Heights, MN. On April 19, 1975, the two were united in marriage at Alma Free Lutheran Church. They made their home in Argyle and raised two children. In the late 1980's Merlyn went back to school and received an Associates degree in Architectural Drafting. He then worked in the gravel business before ending his career as fertilizer applicator and book keeper at the Argyle Co-op and Warehouse Assn.

Merlyn was an avid outdoorsman, a member of the Argyle Sportsman's Club, Legion Club, the Lions Club, and the Stephen Golf Course, as well as being a dedicated and active member in Our Saviors Free Lutheran Church in Argyle.

He is survived by his wife of 44 and ½ years (to the day), Pauline; children, Lisa Swanson of Fargo and David (Cindell) Haugen of Oslo, MN; grandchildren, Cole, Cailey, and Carlissa; son-in-law, Chris Swanson; siblings, Marianne Sager of Inver Grove Heights, and Janet St. Germain of Argyle; mother-in-law, Betty Grossklaus; siblings-in-law, Debbie (DeWayne) Kostrzewski, Peggy Sue (Bill) Olson, Betty Anne (Terry) Paulson, and Robert (Alona) LaValle; and many nieces and nephews.

Merlyn was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Arnold Erickson, Jerry Sager, Paul St. Germain, Gerald LaValle, Dennis LaValle; and father-in-law, Butch LaValle.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Thursday, October 24, 2019, at 10:30 AM, in our Savior's Free Lutheran Church, Argyle, MN.
VISITATION: One hour prior.
INTERMENT: Alma Lutheran Cemetery.
MILITARY HONORS: Argyle American Legion, Post #353, and the Minnesota Honor Guard.