Quite possibly the most decent, intelligent and hardworking person I will ever meet, a person who I have written about in the past, passed away last Wednesday:

Neil Sherman Haugerud, 81, resident of Preston, MN, died Wednesday, June 6th 2012 at the Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, MN. He was surrounded by family at the time of his death.

Born in Canton, Minnesota, July 3rd 1930, to Sherman and Anna (Armstrong) Haugerud, Neil grew up in rural Harmony and graduated from Harmony High School in 1948. He served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, from 1948-1952. Neil married Helen Anderson of Chatfield in 1954.

Neil lived a full and accomplished life. In addition to farming, Neil dedicated many years to political causes and a career serving MN as Fillmore County Sheriff, 1959-1967 and as State Representative in the MN House of Representatives from 1969-1977. He was appointed by President Carter to serve as Chairman of the Upper Mississippi River Basin’s Commission from 1977-1981. He retired from the MN Department of Public Safety where he had served from 1981-1993. Neil was also a professional in conflict resolution and successfully mediated many private and public cases. He was an avid reader and a successful author having published Jailhouse Stories, Holiday Forever, and Do It Yourself Probate, as well as numerous articles for newspapers and periodicals. Neil obtained his pilot’s license in 1955 and enjoyed many years with the local flying clubs. He also enjoyed fishing, traveling, and the occasional poker game; was a master storyteller, a blogger, and was considered an activist with a passion for politics.

Neil is survived by his wife, Helen, daughters Renee Haugerud (John Murphy) of Chattanooga, Susan Haugerud of St. Paul, and Karen Haugerud (Andrew Bahl) of Preston; his brothers and sisters Howard Haugerud (Tomajean), Wayne Haugerud (Eileen), Juanita Young, Ramona Dorr (Herb), Monica Ford, Sharen Storhoff (Wally), Mike Haugerud (Rose), and Betsey McKay; his grandchildren Mitchell Haugerud (Erin), Kallen Bahl, Drew Bahl, Jack Murphy, and Thomas Murphy; his great-granddaughter, Addison Haugerud; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Neil was preceded in death by his brother Vincent Haugerud and sister Amy Haugerud; his daughter Heidi and son Thomas.

A memorial service/celebration of life will be held at 11:00AM, Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Neil and Helen’s home, 25889 County 12, Preston – Neil’s annual clam bake and happy hour will follow. Anyone who would like to share a memory or story, please contact a member of the immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Season’s Hospice, Rochester; Chosen Valley Care Center, Chatfield; or the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP – www.mpp.org).

Speaking of the Marijuana Policy Project, Neil did a video for them a few years ago. Here it is. A still shot from the video is reproduced above.

Neil did a lot of good things during his long, fruitful, active life, and he was in full possession of his mental faculties right to the end.

Hail and farewell, Neil. We’ll miss you.

(Crossposted at Mercury Rising.)