Duane "Dewey" Haugen

Duane was born on February 22, 1933 in Lake Park, MN to Severt and Doris Haugen. Duane was the first of 15 children and worked on the family farm while growing up and continued to farm every summer when he would return home to visit. In 1953, Duane was drafted by the US Army, where he served two years as an equipment mechanic. After leaving the military he moved to Chicago, IL where he worked for the U.S. Postal Service while attending diesel mechanic school. He later moved to Detroit, MI working on the assembly line for the Chrysler Corporation.

In 1958, Duane came to California to visit his sister and decided to stay. He got a job working at Red Jeffries Service Station on 3rd Ave. in Chula Vista. Just a few months later, he met the love of his life, Janice, who had recently arrived to visit her sister. Their sisters were friends and decided that they should meet. It was a match made in heaven.

Duane and Janice were married on September 5, 1958 at St. Marks Lutheran Church in Chula Vista. Shortly after they became members and were very involved in the church. Duane served on the church council and continually ushered during services for many years.

Duane and Janice welcomed their daughter, Suzanne, on the day of their first anniversary in 1959. They bought a house in Chula Vista and decided to raise their family there. Four years later, their second daughter, Sandra, was born.

The Service Station where he worked was sold and then relocated at the corner of the 3rd and G St. It was named after the new owner and became known as Kantrud’s Garage. Duane later purchased the business and after a couple years, changed the name to Dewey’s Auto Electric. He worked diligently without ever missing a day due to his excellent work ethic and doing what he loved. After 30 years, he decided it was time to retire and sold the business.

Retirement did not last long for Duane. He didn’t adjust well to the life of leisure and his customers missed their faithful and dependable mechanic. He started a mobile auto service and would go to the home of his customers to repair their cars. He also continued to assist friends with their business when they needed help and later worked in the automotive department at Southwestern College. After a few more years, he finally decided to retire for good and spend more time with Janice.

He enjoyed building projects and became very skilled in wood working. Duane and Janice traveled together for many years driving cross country through most states of the US. They visited Hawaii several times, Norway, England and many other countries.

Duane is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Janice. Daughter Suzanne and son in law Hudson, Daughter Sandee and son in law Barry. Grandchildren Eric, Andrew, Kristen and Ashley. Great grandchildren Ryleigh, Kingston and Remington. Duane also leaves behind 11 siblings, Merlyn, Darlene, Dora, Sanford, Larry, Carol, Curt, Marlys, Mavis, Susie and Sheree. He was preceded in death by infant brother Roger, sisters Eunice and Elaine, infant daughter Allison and grandson Brian.