Donald Olaf Lars Hauge

Donald Olaf Lars Hauge 82, passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at Concord Care Center in Garner.

A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 4, at Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Lake, with Lay Minister Al Berge officiating. Burial took place at Clear Lake Cemetery. A visitation was held Sunday, November 3, from 2 - 5 p.m., at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to a charity of choice in Don’s memory. 

Donald Olaf Lars Hauge was born on December 10, 1941, in Albert Lea, Minn., to James and Selma (Orstad) Hauge. Raised in a supportive community, Don’s parents were both legally blind. He graduated from Emmons High School in Minnesota in 1959 and furthered his education in autobody repair at Austin’s Vocational School.

Don met Florence Allen at the Albert Lea Roller Rink, and they married on October 28, 1961, in Alden, Minnesota. They were blessed with two children, Larry and Sherri.

Don opened his first autobody shop in Emmons, and in 1964, the family moved to Clear Lake, where he worked for Dwyer Air Craft, painting military planes. In 1974, Don and Florence founded Don’s Body Shop, operating the business until their retirement in 2019. Don was passionate about old cars, motorcycles, and took pride in his repair work. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, baseball - especially watching the Minnesota Twins, camping with family and friends, and coffee gatherings with his hearing-impaired group! He was an active member of the Clear Lake Noon Lions and Zion Lutheran Church and served as the Grand Marshal of Clear Lake’s 4th of July parade in 2011.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Florence Hauge; daughter, Sherri (Fred) Trapp; daughter-in-law, Lisa (Randy) Ricke; grandchildren, Jon (Trista) Hauge, Tyler, Halie and Jordan Trapp; great-grandchildren, Jadyn and Hunter Hauge; brothers and sisters-in-law, Albert (Sue) Allen, Marlene (Randy) Johnson, David Nelson; great-niece Sue (Wayne) Diaze; along with

other relatives and friends.

Preceding Don in death were his parents, James and Selma Hauge; son, Larry Hauge; grandson, Dylan Hauge and sister-in-law, LaVonne Nelson.

Ward Van Slyke is in charge of arrangements.