Donald John Haug, 78, passed away February 6, 2025 with family by his side. Don was strong, stubborn, sensitive, helpful and kind, a little gruff. He enjoyed tinkering and home improvement projects, drove a motorcycle and had some tattoos; he was active in A.A. and helped others learn sobriety is cool, even if it’s not always easy.
Don was born September 6, 1946 in Grafton, ND, the youngest child of Helmer and Nellie Haug. Don attended one room country school, Grafton Central High School and NDSSS. Soon after graduation, Don began his career as a mechanic.
In 1965 Don married Phyllis Maxwell and soon moved to Grand Forks with their newly adopted daughter, later adopting a son Jeremy. Although there was love in the home, Don and Phyllis divorced. Don bought a trailer, became a single dad, and continued to pass along and create family traditions he cherished all while learning co-parenting is cool, even if it not always easy.
Don made a career change around this time and found his calling as a Direct Support Professional at Agassiz Enterprises (GF Growth and Support Center). His greatest attributes of wanting to help, be a caregiver, advocate, teacher, friend, protector, neighbor, voice, listener, groundbreaker and doer were able to shine. Don made a difference, even if it wasn’t always easy.
Don retired in 2011 and continued to enjoy life; he married Diane Harkison in 2017. Newly married, Don found himself wintering in California, summering in Grafton, and stayed busy as a handyman. He always found time for Sunday coffee with family.
Don was preceded in death by his parents Helmer and Nellie, and sister Doris. He is survived by his brother Norman and sisters Hazel, Donna, and Judy, children Jenny (Brian) Berg, son Jeremy Haug, grandchildren Dylan (Peyton), Maryn, Regan, and Jace Berg, great grandson Zayden.
A memorial service will be held at United Lutheran church, Grand Forks on February 20 at 2:00 visitation 1 hour before