Gilbert “Gil” Haugen, 86, of Williston, ND, passed away Monday, May 20, 2019, surrounded by four generations of his family at his residence in Williston, ND. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Williston, ND is assisting the family. Gil was recently diagnosed with cancer.

Gil was born on October 10, 1932 in Dore, North Dakota to Evelyn (Nevins) and Christian Haugen. Gil inherited his loving and calm nature from his stepdad, Henry Sorensen. He married Donna Louise Howard on June 10, 1951, in Williston, ND. Gil graduated from Sidney High School and soon after graduation, went to work for Montana Dakota Utilities. It was there that he made lifetime friends. The line crew of MDU worked together, played together and supported each other. Their families and their children became best of friends and continue to this day in those friendships. Gil was one of those few individuals that worked one job during their lifetime and retired from MDU in 1997.

The friends made during his childhood continued to be his friends throughout his life. His best friends were his brothers, Leonard, Punk, Dick and his sister Charlotte, in addition, his buddies, Roy Simonson and Leon Houglum, lived out the story of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, together pursuing an adventure in the hills and river valleys of their beloved Big Sky Country of Eastern Montana.

Gil’s main hobby was his family. There were always family swims after work at Harmon Park, grilled burgers in the backyard and weekends spent at Blacktail Dam. Gil and Donna were always involved in their children’s lives, whether making Valentine Boxes at midnight on February 13th, to sitting in the front row of basketball, baseball and football games, track, wrestling and swim meets, Blue Birds, Boy Scouts or events at St. Joe’s school. They never failed to support their children at every activity they were involved in, often driving the wrestlettes or cheerleaders to away games. The dinner table always included friends of their children. Gil and Donna made sure that their children were brought up in the Catholic Faith, making sacrifices so that all their children attended St. Joe’s School in Williston. Church and faith were paramount to their family.

Gil leaves behind his four children, Terrill (Lorena) Haugen (Williston, ND) and their children, Joy (Washington, DC) and Isaac; daughter, Katherine Haugen (Williston, ND) and her sons, RJ (Margaret) Pauloski (Toronto, Ontario) and Christopher (Samantha) Pauloski (Los Angeles, CA) and their son, Jackson; daughter, Charlotte Haugen (Fort Worth, TX) and her daughter, Maggie Mae (Richard) Nieves (Fort Worth, TX) and their daughters, Evalyn and Olivia, and their son, Anthony Nieves; son, Christian (Kelly) Haugen (Fort Worth, TX) and their children, Katie (Fort Worth, TX) and Mitchell (Nikki) Haugen (Gold Canyon, AZ) and their daughter, Evelyn.

In addition, Gil is survived by his brothers, Leonard Haugen (Ridgecrest, CA), Punky Haugen (Jo), (Helena, MT), Richard (Patty) Haugen (Forsyth, MT) and sister, Charlotte (Jeep) Dehnert (Lander, WY); his blood brother and life-long hunting buddy, Roy “Eagle Eye” (Evelyn) Simonson (Williston, ND); his special friend and hunting buddy, Jody Simonson (Devils Lake, ND) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. Gil was a best friend to everyone that met him.

Gil was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; his mother and stepfather, Evelyn and Hank Sorensen; his father, Christian Haugen; and his best friend, Leon Houglum.

A gentleman and legend has passed here on earth, but the celebration begins in heaven.

Memorial Contribution

Thank You