Aug. 5, 1949-June 17, 2024
Rugby
Sherwood George Haakenson was born August 5th, 1949 in Rugby, ND to George and Evelyn (Watkins) Haakenson. Sherwood joined older sisters Carolyn and Geneva, and as the baby and only boy, thus began his life of shenanigans.
Sherwood attended Barton Public School through 6th grade. He then transferred after quite a fight, to the “big school” at Willow City, where he graduated with the Class of 1967. He was active in basketball, baseball and track; academics not so much. Sherwood spent a semester in college at Wahpeton, ND until he was drafted into the US Army in October of 1969. He served as a medic at Sandia Base, near Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Upon returning to North Dakota, he married his high school sweetheart, Cindie Semler at Willow City on June 27th 1971. He continued to introduce her as his first wife for nearly 53 years. They settled on a farm in South Valley township, Rolette County, where Sherwood farmed and ranched with his dad until taking over the full operation in 1990. Sherwood and Cindie welcomed their son Todd, in February of 1975 and their daughter Brekka in October of 1978. In 2001, they hosted a Brazilian exchange student, Felipe de Costa, who became like a second son. Sherwood was the proudest husband and father, ruling with an iron fist, quick wit, humor and occasional hat throwing.
Sherwood served on the Barton church council, Willow City school board, taught Hunter Safety. He was a member of the Rolette Legion 194, where he served as commander for 17 years, of a 2 year term. He was employed for a few years during his “retirement” by USDA Wildlife Services, as a blackbird specialist. Over the years he enjoyed snowmobiling, bowling league, pool league, card games of all kinds, fishing, hunting, farming and ranching. He was also an avid NDSU Bison and Green Bay Packers fan. He loved a good story, both the telling and the listening, over and over and over. It was his proudest moment when his kids and grandkids discovered the love of hunting, and he was thrilled to take them out chasing pheasants and whitetail every fall. If you haven’t heard the story of “Brekka’s Elk Hunt” of 2020, you’ve been living under a rock, as Sherwood spread that hunt far and wide, including numerous doctors and nurses as his health declined in recent years. He was more proud of her hunt, then his own successful ND elk hunt in 2021. Sherwood became a proud grandfather to Todd and Kristie’s four boys, Brody, Brock, Blake and Brant. Brekka and Corey gave him his only granddaughter Olivia, and the final grandson, the apple of his eye, Jayce.
In recent years Sherwood faced numerous health challenges. Through sheer will, some may call it stubbornness, he always managed to beat the hurdles thrown at him. In the spring of 2024 as physical issues were harder to manage, he entered into assisted care at Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby, where he passed away peacefully on June 17th, 2024.
Sherwood is survived by his loving wife of nearly 53 years, Cynthia; his son, Todd (Kristie) of Barton and grandsons, Brody, Brock, Blake (Kaitlyn) and Brant; his daughter, Brekka (Corey) Belisle of Rugby, granddaughter, Olivia and grandson, Jayce; his sisters, Carolyn (Stan) Due of Minneapolis, MN and Geneva (David) Weisser of Hastings, MN; brother-in-law, Tim (Connie) Semler of Willow City and sister-in-law, Susan (Tim) Arneson of Polson, MT; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Evelyn, and In-Laws Gerald and Doris Semler.
Memorials may be directed in his honor to Hometown Heroes at 1235 14th St. SE Devils Lake, ND 58301 or the Barton Cemetery Fund.
Funeral services were held on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Rugby Burial will take place at a later date at the Barton Cemetery. Pastor Sharon Baker officiating.
Organist: Pam Anderson Vocalist: Craig Wollenberg
Honorary Urn Bearers: Grandchildren, Brody, Brock, Blake & Brant Haakenson, Olivia and Jayce Belisle & nephew, Chris Due
Military Honors Accorded by: The Dethman Armstrong American Legion Post #194 Honor & Color Guard – Rolette, ND and The North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Detail
Arrangements with the Anderson Funeral Home of Rugby. Online registry: www.funeralsbyanderson.com.
Published by The Pierce County Tribune, June 29, 2024.
