Harvey Haukaas, 87

­Harvey Benjamin Haukaas, age 87, of Ashland, passed away on February 17, 2025 at Court Manor Health Services in Ashland.  Harvey was born November 3, 1937, in Pitt, Minnesota, the son of Harald and Bertina (Knutson) Haukaas. 

Harvey graduated from Baudette High School in 1956.  He attended the University of North Dakota for a semester and then enlisted in the US Army.  After two years of service, Harvey returned to the University of North Dakota, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in math and physics.  During his undergraduate studies, Harvey met Joan Walgate of Toronto, Ontario.  Harvey and Joan married on July 2, 1960, in Eriksdale, Manitoba. 

Harvey then earned his master’s degree in physics at the University of North Dakota. He was hired by engine manufacturer Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, Connecticut, to work on the Atlas missile project and engines for the Apollo space missions.  After several years at Pratt & Whitney, Harvey again enrolled in graduate school, this time at the University of Connecticut.  After earning his Ph.D. in Physics in 1969, Harvey joined the faculty of Northland College to teach physics and astronomy.  He taught for several years and became an associate professor of physics.  Harvey then transitioned to business management and became the Vice President of Business and Finance at Northland.  He remained in that position until returning to teaching physics shortly before his retirement in 1999. 

Harvey was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Ducks Unlimited, Kiwanis, and the Ashland Elks Club.  He was a founder of the Ashland Youth Hockey Association (1971), coached for several years, and served as the Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 331 (1976-1981 and 1984-1985).  Harvey loved duck hunting, deer hunting, angling, and ice fishing, as well as camping and canoeing with his four boys.  Harvey was a skilled woodworker and crafted numerous pieces of furniture for Joan over the years.  Harvey and Joan traveled together all across North America.  He loved serving his community and, most of all, spending time with his family.

Harvey is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Joan; three sons, Erik (Amy) Haukaas, Jon (Jean) Haukaas, and Michael (Shawn Severson) Haukaas; six grandchildren, Megan (Zak) Flatley, Benjamin (Jennifer) Haukaas, Alyssa (Andrew Turner) Haukaas, Jacob (Becca) Haukaas, Ben Anderson, and Liam Anderson-Haukaas; six great-grandchildren, Nicolas, Felicity, Evan, Rainey, Juniper, and Novaleigh; foster daughter Sandi (Stone) Brandt; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, his son Craig, and his sister Maxine Haukaas. 

A funeral service was held on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Ashland (311 13th Street West), with Pastor Rachel Sieja officiating.  Interment will take place at Ashland’s Mt. Hope Cemetery on a later date. 

Arrangements are by Frost Home for Funerals in Ashland.