Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Hiram Oscar Haugen, 92 years old, passed away on April 17, 2014 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King WI.   Hiram was born to Oscar & Hilma (Nyen) Haugen on January 11, 1922 in Minneapolis, MN. The Haugens moved to farm the family homestead in Blair WI. Hiram attended Lone Star Elementary School and Blair High School.

Hiram was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II and assigned to the 362 ^nd Infantry serving in Africa and Italy . Hiram was on the first tank into the PO Valley and awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Metal, Bronze Star Medal and recipient of the Purple Heart. Stories of his adventures were shared with many family members and friends. Hiram also had the opportunity to share the details with fellow veterans at King Veterans Home.

Shortly after enlisting into the army and before leaving for overseas in World War II, Hiram married his sweetheart Lillie Miranda Solberg. They were married in Blair, WI and the reception was held at French Creek Lutheran Church. Hiram was employed by Ettrick Creamery until 1956 at which time he moved to La Crossse and was employed by Gateway Transportation until his retirement.

Hiram was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in La Crosse, WI, the Disabled American Veterans and the Moose Lodge. Hiram enjoyed deer hunting with his family. The grandchildren learned a great deal about hunting and fishing from Grandpa Hiram.. He looked forward to gardening and woodworking projects which now are keepsakes for the children and grandchildren.

Hiram was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Hilma (Nyen) Haugen, stepmother Agnes Haugen, his beloved in-laws Melvin and Bertha (Lebakken) Solberg who offered him shelter and food after returning from the war, his brothers-in-law Francis and Arnold (Alvera) Solberg, Allen Redsten , sisters-in-law Vivian (George) Shay, Leona (Casper) Erickson and Neva (Paul) Barnes and also his longtime friend Merrill Blosser who served alongside him in Italy during World War II.

Hiram is survived by his wife of nearly 71 years Lillie, two children Wanda (Paul) Sheldon of Fond du Lac, WI and Steven (Gloria) Haugen of Onalaska, WI; step-sister Marjorie Redsten ; sister-in-law Beverly Solberg, five grandchildren Mark (Jodi) Sheldon, Sheboygan, Melissa (Damian) LaCroix Suamico, Angela Sheldon Alexandria, VA, Alex Haugen Burnsville MN, Petra Haugen Heidelburg Germany; two step-grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday April 25th @ 11:00 a.m. at French Creek Lutheran Church, Ettrick, WI. Visitation is @ 10:00 one hour prior to service. The Reverend Anna Sorenson will officiate the ceremony and Jack Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

We would like to express our deep gratitude for the loving kindness and attention given to our father at King Veterans Home. They have become part of our extended family.

In lieu of flowers please designate memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church, French Creek Lutheran Church, or the Wounded Warriors Project.