Robert Hauge

Robert L. Hauge, age 74, of Howard, died Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at the Good Samaritan Society in Howard. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Monday, February 24, 2020, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Howard. Burial will follow at Belleview Cemetery rural Howard. Visitation will be 2-4 PM, Sunday, at Willoughby Funeral Home.

Born on March 16, 1945, he was a lifelong resident of Miner County. He attended the country school down the road from his family farm, was confirmed as a member of Belleview Lutheran Church, and graduated from Howard High School in 1964.

Robert was in business with his brothers Gene and Tom as a farmer and a truck driver. He was well-known in the family as a fan of both the Minnesota Twins and the Vikings, though he often had to shake his head in frustration when asked how the games were going. But he stayed loyal, and that word described him well.

During his mother’s last years, he was one of her caregivers, sharing his patience and kindness. He used the opportunity to practice his baking and cooking skills, and was known to stop in to the law office with “cookies for the girls.”

Robert (also fondly known as Bobby) was an attentive uncle to his sister Eunice’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shopping was his preferred form of hunting, and he often found unusual gadgets or useful items to give. He was a collector of many things, as well as a pool player, a “good eater,” and always ready for a cup of strong coffee.

He lived in the family home his entire life and lately had a routine that included daily trips to town to check the mail before he drove to Carthage for his dinner. As one of “the uncles,“  he rarely missed a holiday meal or family event. He loved a good laugh and though he didn’t say much, he didn’t miss much either. Robert was a keen observer of human nature and a master of understatement.  A common response to most questions was, “I suppose.”

He was a true Norwegian bachelor farmer. He was a gentle man of few words, but he loved his family, his farm and his dog, Jill.

Robert is survived by his sister, Eunice Schwader, and brother Tom Hauge, along with his nieces Connie Schwader, Chrysti (Greg) Protsch and Cathy (David) Beisel, nieces-in-law Cindy and Cora Schwader, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

His parents Ernest and Mabel Hauge preceded him in death, as did his brother Eugene Hauge, his brother-in-law, Ray Schwader, and his nephews Mark and Dan Schwader.