Douglas Dean Haavisto

Douglas D. Haavisto passed away suddenly yet peacefully at his home on March 28, 2016 at the age of 67. Douglas was born July 21, 1948 in Minneapolis, MN to Oscar and Sidora Haavisto. He graduated from Pine City High School and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State University. On July 25, 1970 he married the love of his life, Ilene Peterson. And to that union, four children were born. Doug enlisted in the US Army in April of 1971 and was stationed in California and Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1974. He obtained his first probation job in 1982 working for Sibley County. In 1984 he began working for the MN Department of Corrections, serving in several southwest Minnesota counties. In later years, Doug transferred to the Mora office and then to the Pine City office until his retirement in 2011. First and foremost, Doug enjoyed spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed gardening, reading, and woodworking. His family will miss learning ‘life lessons’ in his shop while enjoying an occasional refreshment. Those who knew him best could see through his rough exterior to the gentle giant that was always inside. He was a man of great wisdom who valued honesty, integrity and always stood his ground. He is survived by his devoted wife, Ilene, of almost 46 years, children Wendy Haavisto (Kris Ostenso) of Inver Grove Heights; Matthew Haavisto of Crystal; Heather Haavisto-Muir (John Muir) of Shakopee; Rebecca Marshall (Matthew) of West Fargo, ND; grandchildren Nicholas and Victoria Haavisto; Sidora and Everet Muir; August and Sally Marshall; brothers Dick Haavisto, Steve (Sue) Haavisto, sisters-in-law; Diane Teich, Lucy (Ted) Miller, all of Pine City, Bev Chaffee of Hinckley, many nieces, nephews, friends; and mother-in-law, Marie Peterson of Pine City. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Roger Haavisto, father-in-law Kenneth Peterson and brother-in-law Douglas Teich. Funeral services for Doug Haavisto will be Friday (4/01/16) at 10:30 AM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Pine City. A time of visitation is planned for Thursday (3/31/16) from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral arrangements for Doug Haavisto are entrusted to Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City~Swanson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com