To know Nathan Patrick Haugen was to Live Life with Joy, Integrity, Generosity, and Compassion. On Sunday, August 26, 2018, Nate unexpectantly left our earthly world to be comforted by his heavenly Father in eternal peace. The breadth and depth of his stress and pain was not fully understood by those who loved him dearly. Nathan was born on October 16, 1981, to Patrick and Debra Haugen in New Jersey, and spent his childhood living in Texas, Michigan, and Illinois. His dark brown eyes, infectious smile, and pure heart resonated with everyone he met. He graduated from Waubonsie Valley High School in 2000, received his B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2005, and his MPA from the University of Minnesota in 2015.
Nate married the love of his life, Tania Haugen, in 2011 after meeting her in Honduras in 2006 while he was a Peace Corps, Engineering and Water Sanitation, Volunteer. They built a beautiful life together and were blessed with the birth of 2 girls. To know pure joy, was to watch Nathan with his girls, Natalia (5 yrs old) and Alexa (2.5 yrs old). He loved and adored his 3 girls beyond measure as well as their sweet dog Canela, always planning their next adventure in the outdoors including camping, hiking, weekend picnics, and placing corn in the local park for the deer so the girls could appreciate the beauty of God’s creation in a very simplistic manner. He will be forever known as Silly Uncle Nay Nay by his 2 nieces, Madison and Gracie, and 2 nephews, Luke and Griffin.
Nate’s childhood was well-rounded and deeply rooted within a loving Christian family home. He loved playing sports, going on family vacations, playing the string bass in orchestra and jazz bands, and was an Eagle Scout. Nate shared a special bond with his siblings, Heather and Russ, and always reminded them to “Live Life.” While at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Nate never missed a Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium, sailing on Lake Mendota, adventures with the Hoofers Club, performing with the University Orchestra, a build with Habitat for Humanity locally or internationally, or a Big Brothers/Big Sisters gathering.
Nate’s passion for helping others only grew while in the Peace Corps. He helped to bring living water to rural communities and fell in love with putting a smile on the sweet faces of children who had tough lives. He started a baseball team for young kids in the rural communities, which provided them with the opportunity to take a trip to the capital city for the Championship. He also volunteered his time at an orphanage up in the mountains, which required hours of hitchhiking.
He will be missed dearly by his wife, Tania Haugen; daughters, Natalia and Alexa Haugen; father, Patrick Haugen and wife Margie Haugen; his siblings, Heather (Ryan) Theel and Russell (Kelly) Haugen; his grandparents, Harold and June Rosentrater; Godparents, Diane Stone and Steve Haugen; aunts, uncles, and many cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother, Debra Haugen; his grandparents, Donald and Joanne Haugen; uncle, Michael Haugen; and cousins, Abbey Russell and Ben Rohland. Nate also had many friends across the world who shared in his kind, generous, adventure-seeking spirit, and supported each stage of his life, helping to shape who he was.
Family and close friends are invited to celebrate Nathan’s life on Saturday, September 15, at Faith Lutheran Church, 3000 Liberty St. in Aurora, IL. A visitation for close friends will be held from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm, followed by a service at 12:30 pm. As Nate would hope, the family asks all who attend to wear casual, colorful attire. In lieu of flowers, the family will be donating to organizations that influenced Nate’s life, as well as college savings funds for his daughters, Natalia and Alexa. For those unable to attend, condolences can be sent to Nathan Haugen Family, c/o Patrick Haugen, 1974 Westridge Drive, Dyer, IN 46311.
