FOREST CITY — Ronald E. Haugen, 85, of Forest City, died Friday, August 28, 2026, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was surrounded by his family and caregivers at his home in Surprise, Arizona.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Forest City United Methodist Church, 305 South Clark Street, with Pastor Les Green officiating.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, September 11, at Schott Funeral Home, 505 North Clark Street in Forest City.
The celebration of life will be livestreamed through Ron’s tribute page on the Schott Funeral Homes website.
Ronald Eugene Haugen was born June 12, 1941, to Frank and Sylvia Haugen. Raised on a farm south of Forest City, Ron displayed an adventurous and inventive spirit from an early age. One memorable childhood project involved removing the motor from his mother’s Maytag washing machine and attaching it to a scooter.
Ron attended school in Forest City, where he met his future wife, Linda. He graduated from high school at age 17 and soon began establishing himself as an energetic businessman who was always searching for his next opportunity.
While still young, Ron worked full time at a local gas station while farming, trading automobiles and pursuing several business ventures. Before turning 18, he joined a new Forest City company called Modernistic Industries as its seventh employee.
That fledgling company eventually became Winnebago Industries, and Ron rose through its ranks to become president and chief executive officer. His leadership and connection with employees earned him the nickname “Mr. Winnebago,” a title bestowed upon him by Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad.
Ron’s Winnebago career took him from delivering pickup toppers and opening dealerships to joining his team in ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange. Despite his executive position, he remained known as “one of the guys” because of his respect for employees and willingness to stand up for them.
Health concerns led Ron to retire from Winnebago at age 45, but retirement did not slow his entrepreneurial drive. He joined business partner David Murphy in creating inventions and obtaining patents through their company, VIX.
Ron later worked with Leih Cooper to sell modular homes after recognizing Iowa’s need for additional housing. He farmed alongside his son-in-law, Lynn, and affectionately referred to harvest as “payday in the country.” He also developed the Three-Page Business Plan with his daughter, Julie.
His business guidance reached organizations of many sizes, from hair salons and a dance studio operated by Alice Cooper’s wife to companies such as Harley-Davidson. Ron had a gift for identifying problems and finding practical solutions, usually while wearing blue jeans.
Community service was another important part of his life. Ron served on the Forest City Parks and Recreation Board, participated on numerous recreational vehicle industry boards, served on the United Methodist Church council and joined the local ambulance service.
He also volunteered at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Surprise and played an important role in the original construction of Forest City’s yellow bridge. Ron was a member of the Winnebago-Hancock chapter of Pheasants Forever for more than 30 years.
Away from his professional and civic responsibilities, Ron treasured time with his family. He enjoyed riding horses with Julie, watching Jennifer play softball, golfing, hunting and fishing, especially during trips to Canada.
Ron and Linda opened their home to anyone needing a place to celebrate Christmas Eve, embracing the motto “the more the merrier.” The couple also maintained a Friday night date tradition that could include dancing with friends, snowmobiling or joining their regular golf group.
Ron is survived by Linda, his loving wife of 63 years; daughter and son-in-law Julie and Lynn Hagenson; daughter Jennifer Haugen and her special friend, Donnie Smith; grandchildren Jaylin, Carlee and Tate; sister-in-law Ardie; nephews Dennis, David and Darrell; and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Sylvia Haugen; brother Robert Haugen; sister-in-law Mabel Haugen; and great-niece Melissa Haugen.
The family extended special thanks to Ron’s “A Team” of caregivers—Maaliali, Allie, Juan and Amra—for the loving care they provided to Ron and his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Forest City Enhancement Community Yellow Bridge Program, Friends of Winnebago County Conservation Foundation, Forest City United Methodist Church or Bear Creek Golf Course. Donations to the conservation foundation will support educational exhibits and the children’s loft area at the Hanson Nature Center.
Schott Funeral Home of Forest City is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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