Darrell G. Haugen, age 89, father of ALCM board member Kyle Haugen, was received into the care of his Savior on Sunday, November 17, 2024. Born in Yakima to Lloyd and Glenna (née Ryker) Van Cleave, he spent most of his life in Tacoma, where his mother married stepfather Emery “Cope” Haugen. Surviving immediate family includes his wife of 65 years, Carol Joy; daughter Laurie Tallman, and sons Chris and Kyle. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dean P. Haugen of Redmond.
Darrell and Carol Joy met through mutual friends and married in October 1959. Daughter Laurie and son Chris soon followed, and after ten years, Kyle. Darrell delighted in his granddaughters Marci, Katie, and Emily (Laurie), Sara Beth (Chris), and great-granddaughters Nora and Esmé (Marci).
A Lincoln High School graduate, he supported himself to earn a business degree at the University of Washington. After ROTC he served in the Army Reserve and helped establish the unit at Ft. Lewis, retiring as a colonel. After working for Dun and Bradstreet, he was a successful pharmaceutical representative, retiring in 2000. He was an avid golfer until his early 80s; a capable do-it-yourselfer; enjoyed his “granddogs”/cats; loved jazz (anything by Mel Tormé); and he always took pleasure in driving the open highway, especially on vacations.
Darrell served Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church as president and in other roles across several decades. He also served as the president of the board of directors of Concordia Lutheran School (now Concordia Christian Academy), helping steer it through uncertain times in the late 1980s. His sharp intellect, dependability, trustworthiness, wise counsel, and quick wit were prized by many, but especially by his family. He valued his roles as husband and father the most, providing generously and selflessly for his wife and children. He faithfully devoted himself to Carol Joy’s increasing care needs starting in the early 2010s, cutting short retirement activities. Although a private person, it was clear to his family that both his love for Carol Joy and his Christian faith continued to deepen in his later years.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 23 at 11 a.m. at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3410 Sixth Avenue. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the church.
