WORTHINGTON -- Darlene Macklin was hired by Larry Haugen in 1982. Haugen was the Executive Director at the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce, and he eventually became a mentor to Macklin.
Haugen died Saturday in St. Peter, where he had spent the last 12 years as the president of the St. Peter Area Chamber of Commerce. His passing from a massive heart attack was unexpected.
According to Macklin, Haugen left Worthington in 1985. He also worked with chambers in Aberdeen, S.D. and Austin.
"It was an honor and a pleasure working for Larry at the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce," Macklin said Monday. "It is because of him that I am in the profession today. He gave me the encouragement and support I needed at making (the chamber) my career."
Macklin said Haugen had been a confidant and friend all these years and she will miss him.
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Originally from North Dakota, he and his wife Sharon lived in several areas before settling in St. Peter.
