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Galen Noel Haaven, 72, of Almelund, MN, passed away peacefully in his home on December 7, 2023, surrounded by family.

Galen was born December 25, 1950 in Tyler, MN to Howard and Yvonne (Schnell) Haaven. He graduated from Ivanhoe High School in 1968, and Pipestone Area Vo-Tech Institute in 1977 for meat cutting and worked in the field for several years before migrating to a career in tree service. He started his own business in the early 1980’s, proudly employing his two sons and recently, one grandson.

Galen married Jill (Dastych) on June 20, 1969. They settled in Almelund, where they have lived for the past 45 years.

Galen had a caring personality and was always willing to help his family and friends. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, family camping trips, playing chess, and visiting with friends. He also enjoyed classic cars and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles with wife, Jill and their group of friends.

Above all, Galen’s greatest joy in life were his four grandkids. He cherished the time he spent with them, attending their sporting events and activities and joking with them. He had a great sense of humor that could bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Galen was preceded in death by his parents; sister Colette; brother Loren; daughter Dana; and brothers-in-law Gary Scharnberg and Steve Dastych.

He is survived by wife of 54 years, Jill; sons Trevor (Robyn) Haaven, and Luke (Daynelle) Haaven; grandchildren Merissa, Diesel, Brynn and Blake; sister Shirlee Scharnberg; nephews Jeff (Kristen) Bradley and Jamie (Tammy) Bradley and their families; brother and sister-in-law Gerald and Katie Dastych, and sister-in-law Eileen Dastych.

A Celebration of Life is planned for spring or summer of 2024. Date to be determined.

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