Life’s journey never ends, which is why on December 4, 2015 our patriarch, friend and loved one, Fred Haug, peacefully set aside his worldly baggage to travel a lighter path. His road began here on August 21, 1931 with his birth to parents Fredrick E. and Dorothy M. (Hoffman) Haug in Eau Claire.
Fred grew up with his sister Betty and brother Dick. He graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School and matriculated to do his undergraduate studies at UW Eau Claire. A Master’s Degree and PhD would follow at UW Madison. Then a full professor, Fred’s interests and questions inspired a quest for greater learning that lasted long after his black “mortarboard” cap was tossed into the air.
He shared his constant search for knowledge with others his entire life. With family and friends, he regaled them with stories and anecdotes. The young people he taught in High Schools in West Allis and Neenah were challenged to find something new to explore by turning the page.
Dr. Haug became Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. There the pages of books and texts were sometimes set aside for discussions that brought much more than speech and communications to light for thousands of students over the decades.
After retiring from the UW, Fred’s interests turned to running local political campaigns and serving as a Board Member of the Northern Plains Railroad.
Fred enjoyed classical music and acting in high school plays and was very proud of his starring role in “Harvey.” There was other art in his life as well. He had an eye for collecting great works of art and never had an inch of available wall space but somehow always found a way to make room to hang something new.
Giving back to his community meant spending time on the Eau Claire City Council, which lead to discussions of all types; serious and edgy, light hearted and humorous, and held in roundtable, with his regular coffee group of political friends. There was never a shortage of ideas….or opinions.
Eating was a joy and most of it came from his own cooking, which he relished, and from specialty foods like his famous recipes for lamb, “Bukka” hot dish, and dilly bread. And nothing went better with that than a nice glass of Chardonnay.
Fred traveled and saw the world from the decks of many cruise ships and through the front windshield of a monumental RV tour of Europe with his good friend Bud. Every winter, he and Patrice would find a warm place to cruise for a week or two.
The final part of Fred’s journey would be without his parents, brother Dick, brother-in-law Dick, and sister-in-law Carol who preceded him on their own way down the road. He is survived by his sister Betty (Richard) Balthazor and her six daughters and their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; children Gregg (Kimberly), Kurt, Alex, and Paul (Laura); grandchildren Lauren (Adam) Rubin, Erika, and Dominic; brother Dick’s family; his special friend Patrice Van Riper and her family; friend Masha Volvatch and her family; and, his many loyal and loving friends.
In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Sacred Heart Hospital, where Fred received only the most tender of care and also served on the Board in the past.
Services are Sunday, December 6, 2015 in the Smith Funeral Chapel at 2222 London Road in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Starting at 10AM there will be visitation with a light repast followed by a celebration in the adjoining chapel at 11AM. Road maps are not necessary, Fred showed us the way.