George Darrell Hauge, Jr

George Darrell Hauge Jr.

George Darrell Hauge Jr., of Fallbrook, California, was called home to heaven on May 23, 2025, after a brief illness. He was 86 years old.

Born on March 16, 1939, in Howard, South Dakota, George was the beloved son of Agnes and George Hauge. He was raised on the family farm alongside his siblings—Merle, Roger, and Ardis—where he learned the values of hard work, dedication, and community.

A proud graduate of Howard High School in 1957, George excelled as a student-athlete, competing in football, basketball, and track. He went on to attend the University of South Dakota where he was an active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the Strollers, and the ROTC program. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Arts with a focus in Journalism before entering active duty in the U.S. Army.

George served with distinction in the Army, including an appointment as Assistant to the Adjutant General. During his military service, he married his college sweetheart, Madeline Stoltz, in 1963. Afterward, the couple settled in Huron, South Dakota, where George began his journalism career at the Daily Plainsman and welcomed their daughter Kristen in 1965.

In 1969, George and his family moved to Madison, South Dakota. There, he pursued a lifelong career in the insurance industry and became deeply involved in community life. George especially enjoyed his time as a volunteer firefighter and active member of the Elks Club. He was known for forming lasting friendships and was widely admired for his generosity and sense of humor.

Later in life, George was fortunate to find love again with Sharon Brown, originally from Salem, South Dakota. After a couple years of long-distance friendship, George moved to California in 1996, and the couple married in March 2006, surrounded by friends and family in Palm Springs CA. He cherished his California years, spending time with Sharon and her family, especially enjoying life with his stepdaughter Cindy and her husband Butch.

George was a man of deep character, integrity, and warmth. His legacy is one of service, loyalty, and love—a life well lived and generously shared.

He is survived by his devoted wife Sharon, his daughter Kristen (Rob), stepdaughter Cindy Everett (Butch), stepsons Bradley, Jeffrey, and Michael Brown, and grandchildren Paige Sir (Connor), Ryann Beyer, Raquel Perez (Juan), and Jordan Everett (Heather). He was also a proud great-grandfather to River, Cambria, Sahar, and Josephine. George leaves behind a large and loving extended family, dear friends, and all those who were blessed to know him.

A private memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date in California. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree of your choice in his honor.