Michael Anthony Haugrud

Michael Anthony Haugrud, 75, passed away peacefully at his home in Grand Junction, Colorado, on March 5, 2026. Son of Arnold and Lucielle Haugrud, he was born on November 6, 1950, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. He grew up in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, and graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1968. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving proudly during Vietnam.

After serving in Vietnam, Michael began working as a lineman for his father-in-law's company, Martin Engineering. From there, he joined Ottertail Power, where he worked with steadfast grit until he retired. In 1979, he married his beautiful bride, Dorothea Gabe, and they welcomed a daughter, Victoria, in 1980 and a son, Alexander (Alex), in 1989.

Throughout the years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, riding the trails of the Grand Mesa on his UTV, and sharing with his grandkids, who brought him so much joy, the hobbies he enjoyed so much. He always had a trusty canine companion by his side. Michael was a rock to many, was well-known for his witty ‘one-liners,’ many of which were on the edgy side, but made you laugh, roll your eyes and shake your head all at the same time, while telling yourself ‘I’ve got to remember that one’; and to a select few, even a glorious pain in the neck.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Lucielle Haugrud, and sister Bonnie Haug (Haugrud). He is survived by his wife, Dorothea of Grand Junction, Colorado; their children, Victoria Simonson (husband Troy) of Waconia, Minnesota, Alexander Haugrud (wife Daniela) of West Valley, Utah; three grandchildren: Carter Damlo, Isaac Damlo, and Blake Simonson; sisters Betty Ann Miles of Zimmerman, Minnesota, and Janice Anderson (husband Dennis) of Prior Lake, Minnesota; brothers Wayne Haugrud of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, and Roger Haugrud (wife Carol) of Perham, Minnesota; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

To Our ‘Herd Bull’ – It’s not goodbye – it’s until we meet again.