Service: SERVICE CHANGE- A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, November 20 at Our Saviors Lutheran Cemetery. NO visitation will be held. Mask and social distancing will be required.
Service: Livestream link
Helmer Thomas Haugland, born June 19, 1924, in Jerauld County, near Wessington Springs, SD, passed away at Canton Good Samaritan Center, Canton, SD, on November 15, 2020, from COVID-19, at age 96.
Helmer was the second of five children born to Tom and Gertrude (Reese) Haugland.
Helmer loved Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, family, neighbors, church, farming, socializing and chatting, singing songs, strumming and picking guitar, hearing a catchy tune or toe-tapping rhythm, good pitch and close harmonies. Helmer had a quick wit and enjoyed mimicking voices and sounds. Faith, a strong work ethic, determination, grit and surviving the Great Depression made him who he was.
Helmer was preceded in death by wives, Isabelle Haugland and Ethel Haugland, parents, Tom and Gertrude Haugland, twin brother Selmer Haugland, sisters Hazel Haugland, Thelma (Gunnar) Lindaas, and Ruth (Alvin) Olson. Also preceding in death were in-laws Virgil (Judy) Johnson, Murray Johnson, Eleanor Florey and Palmer (Ingeborg) Paulson.
Helmer is survived by children Grace (Jon) Romaine, Lois (Don) Kahl, Donna (Bernard Thompson) Haugland and Stanley (Cynthia) Haugland. Grandchildren include Sarah (Matt) Reisetter, Kristin (Jacob) Everhart, Matthew (Catrina) Bargstadt, Aaron (Amy) Kahl, Elise (Geoff) Knobloch, Nathan Kahl, Katherine (Stephen) Cunliffe, Laura (Whit) Alexander, Erik (Ken Perez) Haugland, Ingrid (Nathan) Holt and Greta (Nick) Bliek, along with 25 great grandchildren. Additional survivors include in-laws Elmer (Nancy) Johnson, Floyd Florey, Marguerite Johnson and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, November 20 at Our Saviors Lutheran Cemetery. NO visitation will be held. Mask and social distancing will be required. Memorials may be directed to Our Saviors Lutheran Church. A family celebration of Helmer’s life will be held at a later date.
Please accept our sincere sympathies on the loss of your loved ones. It is so tragic to loose family to this virus.
God bless you and keep your fondest memories in your heart forever .
Sorry fpr your loss. Knew him through Canton Sr. Ctr. He was a verynice gentleman
Grace, Lois, Stan and Donna,
Dad and I are so sad to learn of Helmer’s death as well as Hazel’s.
Yes, Helmer has lived a good, long life but he will be deeply missed. Some memories that I have: Wonderful trips to the farm. Helmer showing us new things about farming and equipment. A wonderful smile accompanied by a delightful chuckle with a twinkle in his eyes. A beautiful voice. A natural musician. After supper, as we sat around in the living room, Helmer would strum a tune on his guitar. I think I also remember him playing a harmonica. The family would sing in beautiful harmony. He was a quiet and compassionate soul. He made trips to the Cities and Moorhead for our family’s life events. As kids — he would pull us up the hill with the tractor so that we could sled down, over and over again. He was a man of kindness and faith, caring for his church and loving his family.
May you be surrounded by the promises of God during this time of grief.
Dear Stan, Cynthia and family,
SO sorry to learn of Helmer’s passing- I just saw that Hazel also passed away. I have such fond memories of all the Hauglands, from your farming my parents farm to family reunions over many years. He was such a faithful visitor to my dad, Lowell, when he was at Good Sam.. Thinking of you during this difficult time and sending sympathy, love and prayers! Let me know if I can do anything.
Love, Faith Larson Louis
Omaha
So sorry to read of Helmer’s passing A most wonderful man. I had many memorable visits with him at the senior center. May the Love and Peace of the Lord be with you all now and always.
My deepest sympathy to your family. I had the privilege of meeting your dad several times because of Donna’s friendship. I found him to be a warm, witty and engaging man. He raised such wonderful children who took wonderful care of him in these later years. May good memories of your dad and grandpa comfort you at this difficult time.
Our sympathy to all of you who knew and loved Helmer. What a fine man! We were privileged to be acquainted with him and be on the edge of his extended family. We rejoice at his faith and salvation in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May Helmer rest in His peace.
Our love and prayers for comfort go out to you all.
In the light of Christ’s forever love,