BNSF News

Employee Delays Retirement to Finish One Last Project

2009-09-24

When Daryle Haugen decided to retire, his decision on timing wasn't based on stock price or some family trip he had been waiting to take.

It had everything to do with finishing one last project.

Haugen, who was a Structures foreman, on the Twin Cities Subdivision when he retired in August, was preparing to retire when he was asked to take on the Delano, Minn., bridge.

"Daryle had worked on every type of structure and facility we have in the division, and he was a great asset to his team as well as to the division," said Erik Frohberg, manager, Structures.

As the project began to wind down, Haugen wasn't quite ready to call it quits. Instead, he returned to a project he'd already devoted three years to -- a bridge on the Marshall Subdivision over the Minnesota River near Granite Falls, Minn.

"Daryle chose to stay on after the Delano project to complete the new span work," Frohberg said. "He was involved in replacing nearly 257 feet of trestle on the bridge. Work on the bridge continues, but the structures piece is completed."

Haugen served more than 47 years at BNSF and was known for his knowledge of railroading - and his attention to detail.

"His departure into retirement left a hole that's going to be hard to fill," Frohberg said.

About the photo: Daryle Haugen, right, is pictured at the Delano bridge.

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