James "Jim" Oliver Haugen

James “Jim” Oliver Haugen, 84, of Maiden Rock, Wisconsin, passed away at his home on Saturday, February 14, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 23, 1941 in Newport, Minnesota to Oliver Haugen and Betty LeRicheux. He grew up in Newport, where he developed a love for the river that became a connection he carried throughout his life. After graduating high school, Jim went on to attend college at the University of Minnesota and St. Cloud State University. He received a degree in Special Education and taught 4th grade. He later learned how to fly and became a flight instructor and commercial pilot. He piloted for Northwest Airlines from 1967 to 2001. While working for Northwest he met his future wife, Edie Barnes, a stewardess in Seattle. Shortly after their marriage in 1973, they began looking for a place to build their home, eventually finding a piece of land in Maiden Rock, Wisconsin. Here they raised their family and Jim served on the Ellsworth School Board for over ten years. They lived on their farm in Maiden Rock for over 50 years and spent their summers at their cabin on Lake of the Woods in Ontario. Jim was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed telling stories and spending time with his grandkids.

Jim is survived by his wife Edie, son Travis, and two granddaughters, Sarah and Grace. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Betty Haugen, and his daughter Jessica.

A memorial service for Jim will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026 at Newport United Methodist Church in Newport, Minn. A visitation will be held for one hour prior at the church.