Kurt Hauge

Kurt C Hauge, 67, of Viroqua/Westby passed from the arms of his loving family and into the arms of Jesus on Friday, May 7th 2021.  Kurt was born to Chester and Kathryn Hauge (Weber) on July 25, 1953 in Viroqua, Wisconsin.  On September 23, 1978 he married Joyce (McClurg). They worked hard together, made beautiful memories, and raised two passionate daughters.  He also gained the sons he never had when his daughters married.

As a child, Kurt enjoyed being on the family farm with his cousins and spending time with his brother learning to serve others in the family business at Hauge’s City Service station in Viroqua.  He grew up learning God’s word at the Viroqua Church of Christ, which began a lifelong journey of faith.  Kurt realized his need for salvation, which granted him grace in the eyes of his Lord and Saviour.  It was this truth that remained evident in his heart and in the words he shared with others during his most challenging trials and last days here on earth.

Kurt graduated from Viroqua High School in 1971 and enlisted in the United States Navy, serving our country for 6 years during the Vietnam war.  In 1974, Kurt was credited with saving the USS Marathon by extinguishing a major fire that erupted in the engine room while at sea.  He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal “for his superb performance and courage that reflected great credit upon himself in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service”.  Those who knew Kurt best know that he lived selflessly and poured time into his community, co-workers, and family.

Kurt worked for Vernon Communications Cooperative (f.k.a. Vernon Telephone Cooperative) from 1977 until he retired as Plant Manager in 2008. Kurt was well respected and known throughout the communications industry, in Wisconsin and nationally, as being forward thinking and innovative. He was the one who others looked to for guidance in new equipment and services. He liked to be the first, but only when it was well thought through and something he believed in. Kurt played instrumental roles in bringing the Internet, IPTV, and a long list of new equipment to VTC. Many were the first to be used in the country. Vendors knew that if it passed the Kurt test, it was ready to roll out nationally. Kurt ran hard and did not count hours. He did what was needed and filled in with no excuses to stop early. He was a great leader who was first in and last out most every day of his career. His cheerful and distinctive laugh gave him away no matter where he was.(Paragraph written by Rod Olson)

Kurt was a man with an old fashioned work ethic and high expectations who put his whole heart into everything that he did.  He enjoyed cutting wood, hunting with friends, woodworking, and fixing farm equipment.  He was also a master electrician who offered his talents to many individuals and community projects in the area.  His heart of service was evident in the long hours that he spent caring for the elderly in their greatest times of need.  He enjoyed investing time in improving his rental properties and providing a better quality of life for many tenants over the years.  His greatest accomplishment was raising his daughters to have caring hearts toward others and building a legacy to pass on to his 8 grandchildren.  

As much as Kurt worked tirelessly in pursuit of provision for his family, he was also very intentional about building memories through family vacations and mentoring his grandkids while continuing a lifelong dream on his hobby farm.  After retirement, he also took an interest in ancestry and thoroughly enjoyed learning about his family gone before him.  Kurt encouraged us to let our “Yes be Yes” and our “No be No”.  He leaves a legacy for so many that he has touched and those memories will continue on for years to come in our hearts and minds with lessons that will last for generations.

Kurt is survived by his wife Joyce, his daughters Nichol (Shaynn) Davey and Dachia (Andrew) Abt.  His grandchildren: Olivia, Kamryn, Macy, Landon, Raegan, Ryland, Harper, and Lincoln.  Mother, Kathryn; Brother, Kelly (Marilyn); Sister, Debra (Brian); Nephews, Chad, Jason, Kutter and Ryan; Nieces, Destinee and Danielle.  Sister-in-law, Ruth McClurg.

He is preceded in death by his Father, Chet; Nephew, Kyle Hauge; In-laws, Clinton and Ruth McClurg; Connie McClurg, Larry McClurg, and Phyllis (Loren) Mellem.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 10th from 4:00pm - 6:00pm at the Viroqua Church of Christ.  The Roth Family Cremation Center is serving the family.

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