Gene Haugland, age 76, of Edina, Minn., passed away on Jan. 10, 2018, after a long illness. He was preceded in death by his mother Geneva Haugland. He is survived by his wife Suzie Haugland; father, Leonard Haugland; sister, Elaine Fountain; brother, David Haugland; and best buddy his dog Ben.

Gene was born in southern Minnesota. He graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and served on their Board of Regents for many years. He worked for Opus Group for 20 years and later owned his own business, Haugland Company. He was instrumental in a number of commercial projects around the country including the redevelopment of 50th and France. Gene was a mentor to many in the commercial real estate business. It made him happy to see people become successful because of what he had taught them.

He was a gentle soul with a desire to make everyone’s life better. Memorial Service was Jan. 18, 2018, at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Ave. S. Memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice of charity.