June 30, 1932 – January 20, 2026
Russell Leon Haugen, age 93 of Thompson, IA passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026 at his home with his wife by his side.
Per his wishes, he will be cremated, and a gathering of friends and family celebrating his life will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 P.M., Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Schott Funeral Homes, 505 North Clark St., Forest City, Iowa 50436.
Burial of cremains will take place in the spring at Grant Township Cemetery in Woden, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Forest City Ambulance or Winnebago County Public Health.
Russell Leon Haugen, the son of Ole and Elizabeth (Gjertson) Haugen, was born on June 30, 1932 on a farm north of Woden. He was raised on the farm alongside his nine siblings where he learned the value of hard work, humility, and faith at a young age. Those early years shaped the man he would become—steady, resourceful, and always willing to lend a hand. He was baptized and confirmed at Grant Lutheran Church. Russ attended rural school and graduated from Woden High School in 1950.
At the age of 20, he enlisted in the United States Navy on December 2, 1952, in the midst of the Korean War. After he enlisted, he went to Basic Training in San Diego, CA, Pensacola, FL, and back to California to specialize in radioteletype and skip-to-shore voice communications before he boarded the USS Point Cruz. He served in the US Navy until November 2, 1956. This was an experience that allowed him to travel the world and broaden his perspective, while deepening his appreciation for home. He joined the American Legion in Woden in 1958. After completing his service, Russell settled in Thompson, Iowa, where he worked at number of North Iowa and Southern Minnesota grain elevators and built a life rooted in community and family.
He married Colleen Osheim in 1968, and together they raised two sons, James and Jason, whom he loved deeply and proudly supported while working diligently helping them grow. While at times they were known as the holy terrors at Budget Builders, there was never a doorbell that went untouched. Russell especially loved watching his boys play sports, watching Iowa sports and yelling at the TV as if he was coaching the team. Russell was a true jack of all trades who found joy in carpentry, fishing, hunting, and fixing just about anything that needed attention. Some may also call him a bit of a collector. One of the best parts was Russell’s humor was his answering machine, which played “You have reached the Haugen residence, if you’re asking for money, call next week! All others, leave a message.”
In retirement, Russell embraced the simple pleasures of everyday life. He loved gardening and sharing the fruits of his labor with just about anyone. He enjoyed visiting friends at the bank, the auto parts store, and the gas station, and striking up conversations wherever he went. He had a special gift for making people smile and believed deeply in enjoying each day as a blessing from God. Whether he was sharing stories, teaching math equations, building welcome stands for his niece Nancy’s flower shop, giving away his home-grown potatoes and tomatoes or sending birthday cards to friends just to brighten their day, Russell lived with intention and kindness. Many may not even know his real name Russell. They may only know him as Uncle Harry or even just Bob, and he was more than okay with that. If it made the other person smile, he went along with it.
Russell truly believed that God’s purpose for him was to pray for others and to brighten the day of everyone he met. He lived that purpose faithfully, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, generosity, and quiet joy that will be remembered by all who knew him.
Russell is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Colleen of Thompson; sons, James (Tuesday) of Woodbury, MN, and Jason (Laura) of Lakeville, MN; 4 grandsons, Alex, Joshua, Samuel, and William; siblings, Betty Anderson of Thompson, Donald (Liv) Haugen of Bergen, Norway, and Ole Haugen of Los Angeles, CA; sister-in-law, Deb Haugen of Garner; special friends, Scott and Carmen Schroeder; and several nieces and nephews and wonderful dear friends who will miss him greatly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ole and Elizabeth Haugen; sisters, brothers, and in-laws, Bernice Haugen, Harold Haugen, Gerdis Haugen, John and Gloria Haugen, Elliott Haugen, and Alice and Gunther Walkusch; and a niece, Julie Haugen.
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