Dennis O. Haaland (February 9, 1937 ~ October 18, 2010) Dennis Oliver Haaland was born February 9, 1937, to Oliver and Helen (Windingstad) Haaland in Dawson, Minnesota. He was the third of four children. He was baptized and confirmed at Garfield Lutheran Church in Madison, Minnesota. Dennis attended country school in Lac qui Parle County through eighth grade and graduated from Madison High School in 1955. He attended South Dakota State University and graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, in 1960 with degrees in Economics and History. Dennis married Mary Jo Londgren on June 4, 1960, at St. Lucas Lutheran Church in rural Cottonwood, Minnesota. They farmed west of Cottonwood until 1964 when they moved to their current home west of Clarkfield, Minnesota where Dennis and Mary Jo raised their two sons. Dennis farmed, taught at Clarkfield High School, served as Clarkfield's long time Athletic Director and finished his 30 year teaching career at the Clarkfield Junior High. Dennis was named Educator of the Year for the Clarkfield school district in 1993-1994. Dennis was an avid hunter and active conservationist. His passion was working on wetland restoration and habitat projects. Dennis received numerous awards recognizing his life long work in this area including the Golden 50 Award from the Minnesota DNR recognizing his significant contributions to wildlife management, the Dedication Award in 1991, 2005 and 2007 from the East Medicine County Chapter of Pheasants Forever for his outstanding service and contribution to wildlife conservation and in 1973 the Conservation Farmer of the Year in Yellow Medicine County. Dennis was also a long time member of Clarkfield Lutheran Church where he was a former church president and Sunday School teacher. Dennis was also active in the Circle Sentencing restorative justice program. He treasured time with his children and grandchildren. After watching his two sons grow up participating in football, basketball, wrestling and baseball, he spent much of his retirement years cheering on his grandchildren. Dennis was his grandchildren's biggest fan cheering them on at hockey games, soccer games and basketball games (he even grew to understand, appreciate and like hockey and soccer). Dennis also marveled at his grandchildren's musical endeavors. Dennis passed away on Monday, October 18 in Britton, South Dakota, while doing what he loved - hunting ducks and pheasants. He was 73 years old. Dennis's life long battle with diabetes shortened our time with him on this earth. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary Jo; children: Dr. Ryan (and Cherie) Haaland of Durango, Colorado, Corey (and Shelly) Haaland of Bloomington, Minnesota; five grandchildren: Carter, Cydney, Hannah, Oliver and Gabriel Haaland; brother Elwood (and Shirely) Haaland; brothers-in-law: John (and Marlys) Londgren, Jim (and Phyllis) Londgren, Tom (and Susie) Londgren and Kenneth Morrow; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters. Blessed be his memory. In Loving Memory of Dennis O. Haaland Visitation Friday, October 22, 2010 ~ 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Prayer Service 7:30 p.m. ~ Pastor Jack Torgersen Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Funeral Service Saturday, October 23, 2010 ~ 11:00 a.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Clergy Officiating Pastor Jack Torgersen Pastor Terry Brandt Pastor Gordon Trelstad Organist, Karen Donner Congregational Hymns "Blessed Assurance" "Borning Cry" Special Music Flute solo by Cydney Haaland ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Gail Hanson, "This Is My Father's World" Roger Twieten, "The Lord's Prayer" Honorary Casket Bearers (nephews) Steve Isaacson ~ Doug Isaacson Jeff Morrow ~ Bill Londgren Casket Bearers (nephews) Mike Haaland ~ Dennis Londgren David Londgren ~ Steve Londgren Greg Londgren ~ Mike Londgren ~ Chris Londgren Final Resting Place Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery Clarkfield, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota