Mary Lou Haugen, 76, Minot, formerly of Des Lacs, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, January 1, 2011.

Mary was born May 26, 1934 in Minot, the daughter of Lawrence and Roberta (Shaffer) Whitty. She was raised and educated in the Des Lacs area and graduated from Des Lacs High School in 1953.

Mary was united in marriage to Kenneth L. Haugen on June 27, 1953. From this union, they were blessed with four children; Deborah, Cindy, Lance and Janet. Along with raising their children, she was employed by the Minot Public Schools at Minot High School-Magic City Campus as a cook for the hot lunch program. She retired in 2002 after 35 years of service. She also assisted her husband in the operation of their business, Minot-Bottineau Transfer. Ken died June 22, 1984.

Mary was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot and Minot Eagles Auxiliary. She was a former member of the Minot Moose Lodge. She had also been active with a local Birthday Club and Homemaker's group. Her family was her greatest love. She especially took pleasure in family gatherings when all of her children and grandchildren could be together. She enjoyed bowling, traveling and spending time at Rice Lake. She loved playing bingo with her sister, Sharon and cousin, JoAnn, in which her brother-in-law, Larry graciously drove them to many activities. Mary Lou and Kenny spent many treasured moments with Glen and Janette Marshall. They spent countless hours playing cards with relatives and friends.

Left with many fond memories are: her children, Deborah (Steve Voss) Walker, St Michael, MN, Cindy (Raymond) Flammang, Sawyer, Lance (Chrissy) Haugen, Minot & Janet (Jerry) Hanson, Minot; special grandchildren, Marissa (Jud) Getty, Jason Walker, Jeff (Valerie) Flammang, Kevin Flammang, Levi Haugen, Casey Flammang, Kendra Haugen, Cody Haugen, Jessica Hanson, Jena Hanson, & Jerica Hanson; great-grandchildren, Tyler, Tanner & Grace Getty, Hailee Jundt, Ava Flammang & Liam Haugen; sister, Sharon (Larry) Wilkes, Minot, brothers, Joe Whitty, Davenport, IA, James Whitty, Queen Creek, AZ, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, Thomas Whitty and son-in-law, Jim Walker; along with her sisters-in-law, and several aunts and uncles.

Mass of Christian Burial : Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service : Wednesday, January 5th at 7:30 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Wednesday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorials.