Richard “Dick” Michael Haugsness, 75, passed away on August 18, 2019 at the University of Kansas Health System, St. Francis Campus in Topeka surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born at home on July 1, 1944 in Seneca, Kansas to S.J. and Lillian (Weber) Haugsness. He graduated from Sts. Peter and Paul High School in 1962. Richard joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 1963, attained the rank of SSGT, and was a cook. He was honorably discharged in 1969.

He married his childhood friend, Mary Ann (Kinsey) Haugsness, on May 9, 1964 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Seneca. They were blessed to share 55 years of marriage together, making their home in Seneca with their six children.

While in High School, Richard worked at Farrells IGA Store. Additionally, he worked alongside his father at the family business, Sunset Acres Service Station, where he gained his mechanical knowledge. After graduation, he worked at both the Skelly Service Station on Main Street and the Log Cabin Service Station. From 1966 to 1970, he was employed by Winterscheidt Milling. On March 1, 1970, Richard began his employment with the City of Seneca as a member of the electrical department and was the Electrical Superintendent until his retirement in 2009 (39 1/2 years). Decorating the Seneca Main Street with a zig-zag of lights at Christmas time was one his favorite tasks. A skilled handyman and jack of all trades, his talents were known by many around town. Before the days of HGTV and DIY Network, he demonstrated resourcefulness by tearing down old buildings and using the materials to build new structures. Richard and his wife were co-owners of Leisure Time Crafts where he taught stained glass and evening ceramic classes. His dedication to their business was clearly demonstrated by early morning, lunch hour, and evening trips to the store for pouring and firing of ceramic pieces. The crafty couple were in business for 30 years. After retirement, he worked part-time at Pamida.

Richard gardened to provide for his family. In an effort to accommodate his growing household, Richard put his heart and sweat in to remodeling their three unique homes. He was skilled at woodworking, auto-mechanics, tinkering, and inventing useful items. As a natural teacher, he passed along knowledge to his children and grandchildren as they worked together on projects. Richard enjoyed watching his son Bob race pony stock cars and was also a NASCAR racing fan. He did his own racing around town on his moped and three-wheeled scooter. Declining health forced the man who rarely sat still and had a tremendous work-ethic to slow down. During his retirement he became a frequent watcher of game shows and Royals baseball games. Many of his family members joined him in watching and solving game show puzzles. Scratching lottery tickets was a recent favorite and occasionally profitable past time.

Richard’s wife and family were the light and joy of his life. His survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Ann; children: Clarissa (Larry) Davidow, Lenexa, KS; Anna (Brice) Feldt, Topeka, KS; Robert (Judy) Haugsness, Edgerton, MO; Mary (Cary) Crabtree, Seneca, KS; Gerald Haugsness, Beatrice, NE; and Monica (Troy) Coverdale, Greeley, CO. Grandchildren: Abby Davidow; Marya & Brenden Feldt; Crystal & Victoria Haugsness; Chelsey (Zach) Green; Austin, Layne & Elliott Crabtree; and Cade Haugsness. Great-grandchildren: Rockwell Green; Hadley & Cohen Crabtree. He is also survived by five siblings: Betty Brannam, Topeka, KS; Margaret Albers, Lincoln, NE; Karin Reilly, Hull GA; Bill Haugsness, Kansas City, MO; and Larry Haugsness, Las Vegas, NV along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, S.J. (January 5, 1988) and Lillian (December 10, 1978); brothers: Gerald (October 27, 1936), Robert (January 10, 1939), John (April 27, 2013) and Milton (February 6, 2019); sisters: Kathleen (May 27, 1947) and Jeanette (August 6, 2012).

Rosaries will be prayed at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21, at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. The funeral mass is 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 22 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Seneca. A private burial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the City of Seneca Electrical Department for Christmas Lights or the City of Seneca Fountain Project, sent in care of the family.