Clifford D. “Cliff” Haakenson, 68, passed away on September 2, 2026, at Trinity Hospital in Minot, North Dakota, surrounded by his wife, youngest daughter, and eldest brother. Cliff was diagnosed with vascular dementia in January 2026 and later entered into skilled memory care in Minot. On August 26, Cliff was admitted into the hospital with critically low oxygen levels and was unresponsive. When treatment brought no improvement, his family made the loving decision to transition him to comfort care, where he passed away less than 48 hours later.

Cliff was born on September 3, 1957, to Eileen and Stanley Haakenson in Kensel, North Dakota. He spent his childhood in Grace City, Riverdale, and New Rockford and worked as a farmhand during his teenage years. After his high school graduation in 1976, Cliff studied A/C and refrigeration at NDSCS in Wahpeton, ND. Following completion, he worked in the field for about 3 years. Later, Cliff attended college at North Dakota State University, where he studied chemical dependency and counseling and earned his master’s degree. While at NDSU, he met Lila, who was also studying addiction counseling. Drawing strength from their shared experiences with addiction and recovery, they supported one another and began building a life together in 1988.

With Lila came two daughters for Cliff to love and help raise. Lori was 13 and navigating her teenage years, while nine-year-old Tia was comically curious. On Cliff’s first visit, she asked “Cliffy” if he had brought his jammies so they could watch cartoons the next morning. She was fascinated by his long blond hair and remarkable knowledge of cartoon characters; in her eyes, he was a keeper from the very beginning! In the years to follow, they shared many family camping trips, often joined by Cliff’s mother, Eileen and her partner, “Grandpa John” of New Rockford, ND. Lila’s brothers and their families sometimes joined the adventures—and occasional misadventures, including the fondly remembered “Al-who-rolls-with-chairs” story.

In 1996, when Cliff and Lila could find no more reasons not to, they married on leap year in Bottineau, North Dakota, in a ceremony performed by a blind judge—a favorite story they have delighted in sharing.

After graduating from NDSU in 1993, Cliff and Lila moved to the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Reservation and both worked as counselors. Cliff touched many lives through his work, and some have shared that he had helped save theirs. He was a gifted and compassionate counselor. A stroke in the prime of his career left permanent damage that prevented him from continuing the work he loved most. Even so, Cliff found ways to stay active by tinkering and keeping busy at home. His knowledge seemed endless—whether he was repairing machinery, devising an ingenious workaround, or recalling facts about nearly any subject. Remarkably, much of that knowledge remained with him during his struggle with dementia.

Cliff’s interests were wide-ranging. He was fascinated by history, especially ancient, world, and military history; he was interested in politics; loved music and playing his guitars; and had a soft spot for stray cats, taking in many over the years. He also treasured the companionship of his and Lila’s late dogs. Happiest outdoors or in his shop, Cliff could often be found gardening, hauling compost to the pile where—according to him—he wanted to be tossed after death, tinkering on a project, or listening to talk radio. When indoors, he enjoyed cartoons, Ancient Aliens, educational programs, and NDSU Bison and MN Vikings football

In 2018, Cliff received a kidney transplant after living with genetic kidney disease. Before the transplant, he formed many friendships with the staff who cared for him during regular dialysis appointments in Belcourt. In the years that followed, his health gradually declined, and feeling unwell increasingly limited his mobility and ability to leave home. After a life-threatening case of encephalitis in 2024, his family noticed significant changes in his physical and mental health. During the final year of his life, Cliff was often confused, struggled to find words, communicate, and be mobile – symptoms later found to be early signs of vascular dementia. Once the diagnosis was known, everything made sense, though no one realized just how limited his remaining time would be.

Cliff was aware of the changes in his mind until late July, when the disease had advanced. His family was grateful to visit often during his time at the skilled memory care facility in Minot, where both Cliff and his loved ones were treated with kindness and compassion. True to his nature, Cliff made many friends there, even though most were old enough to be his parents. He frequently entertained the staff with his antics and shenanigans, which they enjoyed—most of the time!

Cliff was taken too soon and will be deeply missed. Yet, his family also finds comfort in knowing that he is free from suffering and will not have to endure the further progression of a cruel disease. Those who knew Cliff well understand that, in his passing, he received what he wanted most; no longer feeling ill. His 69th birthday came the day after his death, when he was at ease, free from pain, and at peace.

Cliff is survived by his wife, Lila; daughters, Lori (Jonathan) Brewer and Tia (Natasha) Braseth; his “Georgia peaches,” granddaughters Hayden, 17, and Addie, 14, Brewer; his eldest brother, Clayton Haakenson; younger siblings, Doug (Kim) and Emrene Haakenson; brothers-in-law, Al (Margo), Duane (Cindy), and Clancy Gourneau; sister-in-law, Deb Gourneau; his mother’s partner, “Grandpa John” Scanson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is also survived by his beloved cats, Brittany and Joey.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Eileen and Stanley Haakenson; infant brothers, Kevin and Gerald Haakenson; grandparents Clarence and Emma Haakenson & Alvin and Irene Paulson; mother-in-law, Marcelline Gourneau, affectionately known as La Qutch or Qutchi; sister-in-law, Sharon Gourneau; brother-in-law, Art Gourneau; nephew, Matt Gourneau; cousin, Rodney Haakenson; and several beloved pets.

Cliff’s family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who visited him in the hospital or at the skilled memory care facility, checked in on him, sent kind messages, or offered sincere thoughts, prayers, and positive energy. Your care and support are deeply appreciated. Lastly, a very special thanks to Lila’s brother Al for being a constant presence and support for her during this difficult time. Also a thanks to his family; it takes a team, and we appreciate your family sharing his time and energy..

An informal gathering and viewing will be held in celebration of Cliff’s life at Elick Funeral Home, 305 1st Ave NE, Rolla, ND from 5:00 t0 7:00 PM on Monday, September 7, 2026. All are welcome to attend.