Lee Adrian Haugen

Lee Adrian Haugen was born on August 10, 1947, to Marvin and Doris (Swenson) Haugen in Graceville, MN. Lee lived on the family farm in Clinton, MN with his parents and siblings. Lee graduated in 1965 from Clinton High School in Clinton, MN. After graduation, Lee moved to the Minneapolis area and gained employment in the maintenance department at the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport. Upon leaving the airport, he graduated from the Minneapolis Police Academy and served as a Police Officer for the Minneapolis Police Department for several years. Lee eventually left the Police Department and purchased a well-drilling rig. He did residential construction and well-drilling in the Anoka area. Lee moved to Menahga in 1975 and shortly after making the move, he was blessed with being a guardian to a small family and he cherished those times. Lee worked in the lumber business for several years with his good friend, Tom. Knowing that the lumber business was what he enjoyed, he started Minnesota Kilns. Lee worked with the kilns until his health required him to retire in 2005 and enjoy time with Ann, Jason, friends, and life. Lee met Ann (Schmickle) in 1988 through mutual friends. Love-smitten, they married that same year; Lee not only gained a beautiful wife, but he gained a great son, Jason. Lee embraced life with Ann and together they raised their son Jason. He found great enjoyment in being a father where he taught Jason the necessities of life and they enjoyed many hobbies together. Lee, Ann, and Jason traveled all over the state participating in rodeos and watching Jason participate in high school sports and high school rodeos. Through the rodeo activities, they gained many friends and memories. Lee found great enjoyment and fulfillment in helping others, even with the effects of the stroke he experienced in 2005. He never turned down an opportunity to help a friend, ride a horse, enjoy a fall trail ride, or go country dancing with their friends. Lee always looked forward to heading back to the farm and helping Gary with fieldwork. Never one to complain, he was often found with a smile on his face, a story to tell, and a listening ear. Lee was determined to not let his limited capabilities from that stroke slow him down; he worked hard to maintain an independent life. Lee became a father-in-law and was promoted to grandpa in 2007 and 2008 when Jason married Kelly. Lee was made perfect to be a grandpa to Jake, Sylie, Sydni, and Karson and his days were complete when he spent time with his grandkids. Nothing was more important to Lee than his relationship with God, family, and friends. Lee is survived by his wife Ann, son Jason, daughter-in-law Kelly, and grandchildren: Jake, Sylie, Sydni, and Karson. Brothers: Dennis Haugen, Sioux Falls, SD; Gary (Mary) Haugen, Clinton, MN; Sisters Marcia (Vance) Kemmer, Fargo, ND; Karen (Bill) Miller, Branson, MO; Jean Haugen, Arizona; numerous brothers and sisters in law and nieces and nephews. Lee is preceded in death by his parents: Marvin and Doris, brother-in-law Roger Schmickle, and sister-in-law Mary Schmickle. Memorial Services will be held 1:00 PM Monday, May 20, 2024, at Wevley Funeral Home Sebeka, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the service.