Obed Gerald Irving Haugen

Obed Gerald Irving Haugen passed away Friday, November 5, 2021, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD.
Funeral services will be 2:00PM, Sunday, November 14, 2021, at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Irene. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.
Obed was born July 23, 1935, to Bernt and Mildred (Hevle) Haugen. He grew up in Irene, SD and graduated from Irene High School in 1953. He attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD, and graduated in 1963 with a double major in Political Science and Business Administration.
He served 2 years in the US Army, stationed in France in the Military Police Force. He also spent 2 years working construction in Saudi Arabia. He had many interesting stories of their culture.
He managed Dakota Industries in Hurley, SD and later started HMK Enterprise in Tea, SD. He moved back to Irene in 1987 and worked at the Irene Public School system for several years. The best part of his job at the school was visiting with the students. After retiring, he worked part time at Pump-N-Stuff on ordering and filling the coolers.
Obed was not a wealthy man, but he would give whatever he had to anyone in need. The highlight for Obed was the Military Honor Flight that he was able to go on in September. Upon his return, he said, everyone should have that opportunity.
Survivors include two sisters: Lee Mikkelson of Viborg, and Gayle Garrison of Tea, also many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Floyd and Burnell, 2 brothers-in-law, Rod Mikkelson and Rod Garrison, 2 sisters-in-law, Marilyn, and Rita, and great niece, Erin Leigh Mikkelson.
Blessed be his memory.