Vernon Robert Haugen

Mr. Vernon Robert Haugen, 92, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 30, 2022.

The son of Adolph and Bertha, he was born Sept. 1, 1929. He was a sibling to three brothers, Harris, Arlen and Al, and a sister, Jane Ann.

  He is survived by a winding legacy of people who loved him ardently: children, Linda Katherine Fyfe (née Haugen) and Paul Robert Haugen, and their spouses, Robert Fyfe and Stephanie Haugen (née Hutto); grandchildren, Robert John McGregor Fyfe IV, John Thomas Haugen, Evan Thomas Greenall Fyfe and David Connors Haugen; and great-grandchildren, Cooper Vernon Haugen, Charlotte Virgie Haugen and Parker Layne Fyfe.

He is preceded in death by loving wife of 68 years, Elizabeth Katherine Haugen (née Greenall), as well as his parents and four siblings.

He was born in Stanton, Minn., one month before the beginning of the Great Depression. He experienced a childhood of hard work and resolve that would leave an indelible imprint. Of course, it wasn’t without the antics of all little ones, either. At the age of 9, he already knew how to drive and was teaching his 6-year-old brother, Al. The younger’s accidental wrecking of the vehicle into the chicken coop would become a story of family lore.

Though such moments of boyhood abounded, so did a dedication to helping his father and mother run their farm, then store, then egg supplier. He would shine a candle behind eggs to check if they were fertilized. It was one of countless tasks he managed for the family business while also diligently attending to schoolwork. Ever the enterprising young man, he also worked at Stanton Airfield as a teenager.

With a population of only 31 in Stanton, he would graduate in a class of nine, before entering service with the National Guard. It was during this time that he met his lifelong flame, Betty. They were married in 1953, surrounded by close family and friends. It was March 28, the weather was beautiful, and they enjoyed a reception at Betty’s parents’ home afterward.

Nine months later, they welcomed their first child, Linda. Then in 1956, along came Paul. A few years after that, Vernon embarked on the career path that would define his working life for decades to come.

He began a storied employment at Cleveland Electric in 1966 and wouldn’t leave the company until his retirement in 1992, at which point he and Betty purchased their dream home in the mountains. Soon though, a deep appreciation of golf would entice them to discover a new ideal locale in Ellijay. There, he would join a group called The Creepy Crawlers, who frequented the gorgeous courses at Whitepath.

He was also a proud member of the Ellijay Lions Club, and an even prouder grandfather.

By the time he retired, four boisterous little boys were on the scene and ready to spend days exploring outside with their Papa. A devoted grandfather with so much life experience and love to impart, Vernon was a bright light in the world of his four grandsons. Later, he would be the same for his three great-grandchildren, too.

After many years of joy in Ellijay, Vern and Betty decided to move to Merrill Gardens and then Celebration Village. An opportunity to be closer to their beloved children and all those grands and great-grands, this fresh chapter also resulted in many a lovely new friendship. When he and Betty weren’t enjoying a good meal with friends or family, Vernon was likely to be found watching a Braves game. He also occasionally played a golf simulator — quite the novelty for someone who didn’t have electricity growing up.

  As all who knew him would attest, Vernon Haugen was a man of fortitude, loyalty, perseverance, industry, devotion, strong character and warmth. He is dearly missed and remembered.

  A memorial service will be held Aug. 6, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in Ellijay, with the Rev. David Smedley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ellijay Lions Club in memory of Vernon.

Condolences can be made at www.loganfuneralhome.com.

Logan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.