Gary Gene Haugen

Gary Gene Haugen, age 87, passed away July 7, 2025, at his home in Moses Lake, Wash. He was born May 22, 1938, in Culbertson, Mont., to Albert and Jessie Haugen, and was the youngest of five children. His siblings included Shirley, Bonard, James and Lyle.  

When he was in elementary school, his family moved to Chelan, Wash., and later moved to Coulee Dam, Wash., where he graduated from high school in 1956.  

Upon graduating, he went to work as a lineman for Pacific Northwest Bell. This kept him on the move as he worked in Moses Lake, Port Angeles, and Auburn, Wash. He retired from the phone company as a supervisor and went on to work at Boeing until he retired permanently.  

After his retirement, he spent a lot of his time restoring classic cars, woodworking, and gardening.  

He married Gloria Friedlander on Nov. 9, 1957, and had six children: Scott, Stephanie, Steven, Sally, Shanee and Tim. He was very involved in all of his kids’ activities whether that be little league, cub scouts, hunting, or fishing — he did it all.  

After separating from Gloria, he met and married Joanne Walthers. His family grew as he was blessed with three stepsons: Kevin, Andy and Terry.  

Throughout their marriage, Gary and Joanne enjoyed spending time riding motorcycles, hiking, camping and boating (Joanne was an excellent water skier!). They traveled extensively and have an amazing collection of photos of all of their travels and breathtaking views.  

He is preceded in death by his wife, Joanne, son Steven, his parents, Albert and Jessie Haugen, and siblings Shirley, Bonard, James and Lyle.  

He is remembered and survived by his children: Scott (Jan) Haugen, Stephanie Nelson, Sally Glazier, Shanee Breeze and Tim (Bonney) Haugen; stepsons: Kevin (Robin) Walthers, Andy (RaeAnn) Walthers and Terry Walthers; his partner: Molly Moore; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held Aug. 23, 2025, at Coulee Dam City Hall at 1 p.m. with food to follow.