Roger Harlan Haugen

Roger Harlan Haugen, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on May 28, 1945, in Buffalo Center, Iowa, to Trygve Haugen and Vivian Nelson, Roger lived a full and adventurous life dedicated to his family and passions.

Roger proudly served in the Air National Guard and went on to work in diverse fields, including as a California forest firefighter, an employee at O’Hare Airport in Chicago, and a private pilot instructor. Later, he became self-employed with Better Packages before co-founding Duffield Cabinets in Florida.

On March 19, 1977, Roger married the love of his life, Gisela Elise (Stork), in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising their family and eventually settling in Florida—his dream state—where they enjoyed sunshine, beaches, and quality time together. In 2024, after being diagnosed with bladder cancer, Roger and Gisela moved to Savannah, Georgia, to be with their daughter Gabrielle and her family.

Roger was a man of many talents and interests. He loved flying, scuba diving, woodworking, relaxing by the pool and hot tub, and soaking up the sun. Above all, he cherished time with his family, who affectionately knew him as “Opi.”

He was preceded in death by his father, Trygve Haugen; his mother, Vivian Nelson; and his stepfather, Birney Nelson.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Gisela Haugen; his children, Christie Haugen, Gabrielle Polley (Jim), and Robert Jones; his grandchildren, Marissa Lay, Kristin Perrin, Justin Jones, Natalee Perrin, and Victoria Polley; and his great-granddaughters, Lily Lay and Lucy Jane Lay. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Reisinger (Gordon); his nieces, Kathy Walker (Johnny) and Kristen Gilchrist (Cory); his nephew, Todd Reisinger; and many more beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Roger was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. He faced his illness with courage and faith, never complaining of pain.