Donald LeRoy Haugeberg , 92, longtime Ward County farmer, passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2017 in a nursing home facility in Mesa, Arizona.

Don was born July 18, 1924, to Tom & Helga (Wrolson) Haugeberg in Gasman Township, Ward County, North Dakota. He was raised on the family farm near Max, ND. He attended grade school at the Gasman Township School and graduated from Minot High School in 1942. Growing up, Don had many fond memories of dances held at the Gasman Township Hall where he would play any kind of a string instrument in the band and dance the two-step, waltz, or polka. One day, 70 years ago, Don met the love of his life, Jeanette Mayher, at a dance hall in Minot. After a courtship which included many dates at the Minot skating rink, they wed on July 28, 1946. Don and Jeanette raised their family and spent most of their lives on the family farm until moving into Minot in 2006 and subsequently to Apache Junction, AZ in 2016 to be closer to family.

After high school graduation, Don joined his father's farming operation where he became an accomplished farmer. He received a Certificate of Merit from the US Department of Agriculture and an Agricultural Award from NDSU for service to the agriculture industry. Don's farming legacy lives on today as the Haugeberg family's fourth generation continues to farm the land. Although most of his career was spent as a small grain farmer and rancher, Don co-owned a couple of businesses, including Harold & Don's Standard gas station in Minot and the Max Lumber Yard.

Don's belief in giving back to his community led to his active involvement in a number of organizations. He was a former president of the Max School Board; a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Max; Ward County Crop Improvement president; secretary of the ND Western District of the American Lutheran Church; director on the Max Farmer's Elevator Board; Max Civic Club member; vice president and secretary of the North Prairie Rural Water Board; 4-H leader; member of the Sons of Norway, Eagles Club, and Moose Club. Don enjoyed all of these organizations, but the Minot Moose Lodge was dearest to his heart. In addition to his many hours of volunteering, Don's service to the Loyal Order of the Moose included holding the position of Governor from 1995-1996. In 2001, he attained the highest and most coveted degree of the Order, the Pilgrim Degree of Merit, for his outstanding service.

Don also enjoyed many hobbies. He could often be found at the Moose Lodge playing pool, card games (especially pinochle) or bingo. In 2000, he placed second in the World Elder Men's 30' Division I Finals horseshoe tournament. A favorite outdoor activity was pheasant hunting with his cousin and close family friends. Don and Jeanette spent many Saturday nights dancing at the Moose Lodge. They were also members of the Northwest Polkateers. If he wasn't dancing on the Polkateer's float, Don might be seen driving one of his collector cars in a summer parade. Don was musically talented and could play many instruments by ear. Spending time with friends and family was a high priority for Don.

Don always had a smile on his face. He was a kind and generous man and a wonderful role model for his family and will be deeply missed by many.

Don's family includes: wife of 70 years, Jeanette; daughter, Cynthia Dow, Apache Junction, AZ; son, Richard (Sheryl) Haugeberg, Max, ND; 5 grandchildren, Patricia (Conrad) Linde, Enumclaw, WA; Scott Schoenberg, Apache Junction, AZ; Wade (Cristy) Haugeberg, West Fargo, ND; Chad Haugeberg, Arlington, TX; Kristy Haugeberg (Thomas Sawyer), Phoenix, AZ; 10 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law Clifford Dow; brothers Tyler, Arthur, and Henry.

Funeral Service with fellowship: Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. in Our Savior's Lutheran Church - Max.
Interment : Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
A reception/fellowship will be held at the Minot Moose Lodge located at 400 9th Street S.W. Minot from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Visitation: Friday, June 2, 2017 from 3:00 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
The family requests memorials be designated to the Our Saviors Lutheran Church memorial fund in Max or to an organization of the donor's choice.