Nace J. Haugen- Oc. 29, 2021

Nace J. Haugen, 82, of Chandler, AZ, peacefully passed away at home on 10/29/21 surrounded by his loving family. Nace was a strong, kind, loving, and supportive husband and father. His knowledge, guidance, and patience were the foundation of his family.

Nace was born on 4/7/39 in McVille, ND to Nace M. Haugen and Jane MaKee Haugen where his father owned the local GM Dealership. Nace was passionate about his family, friends and the time spent with them at their cabin at Red Willow Lake and playing athletics growing up. He excelled in football, baseball, and his favorite, basketball. He graduated from McVille High School and went on to play basketball at the University of North Dakota. He graduated from UND in 1963 with his bachelor’s degree and in 1968 with his master’s degree. He was activated to the National Guard in 1961 and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army.

Nace served as a teacher/coach in Petersburg, ND, Fargo, ND, and Moorhead State University before becoming a school administrator (Principal of the Junior High, then Jamestown High School) in Jamestown, ND from 1972-1994. After taking early retirement, he worked as an insurance adjuster for Farmer’s Union until 2003. Nace enjoyed being able to spend more time after retirement with his grandchildren and having more time for his hobbies, including golf, racquetball, fishing, and hunting. And of course, keeping up with his favorite teams, the Detroit Lions and Tigers. He, and his friends in grade school, all picked favorite teams and all stuck with them. This made for some very interesting conversations and a lot of jokes, all in fun, especially for Nace, but he was a loyal fan to the end.

Nace, Janet, and Kelly moved to Chandler, AZ in 2009 to enjoy the warmer winters and be closer to his oldest daughter and his grandchildren. Not only did he accomplish that, but he was a major role model and inspiration in their lives. He was such an important part of his grandchildren’s upbringing and was always there to support them. His first love was family and friends.

Nace was proceeded in death by his parents, many aunts and uncles, close family members and friends. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Janet Flaagan-Haugen and daughter’s, Kristi Haugen-White and Kelly Haugen, all of Chandler, AZ. Grandchildren, Lauryn R. White at University of Arizona in Tucson and Theren R. White, a senior at Corona Del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ. Sister, Geraldine (Rodney) Bergen, Moorhead, MN, Brothers-in-Law, Odell (Ilyce) Flaagan, Tolna, ND, and Bud Lowe, McVille, ND, and Sister-in-Law, Margie (Tracy) Henningsgard, Valley City, ND and many cousins, nieces, and nephews that all meant so much to him.

Nace was a long-time member of Atonement Lutheran Church, the YMCA. ELK’s, Eagle’s, and Lion’s Club, where he served many meals on wheels, all in Jamestown, ND. He is also a member of the American Legion Club of Tolna, ND

Funeral service will be held at Desert Cross Lutheran Church in Tempe, AZ at 2:00 PM on Sunday, 11/21/21. Everyone is welcome to attend. They will be streaming the service live on Desert Cross’s YouTube channel and on their Facebook page, Falconer Funeral Home of Gilbert, AZ will be assisting with the funeral arrangements. They will have a slide show and an online memory book to sign on their website at falconerfuneralhome.com. There will be a burial service at McVille, ND at a date to be determined.