Verdon Wayne Hasleiet

Verdon Wayne Hasleiet, 78, passed away on November 8, 2021 at his home in Elgin, Minnesota after a courageous nine-year battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). He participated in a Mayo Clinic study, and his brain will be donated to PSP research.
Verdon was born on April 13, 1943, in Lanesboro, MN to Alfred and Evelyn (Johnson) Hasleiet and graduated from Peterson High School. He was united in marriage to Renee Gudmundson on January 6, 1968, in Peterson and they were blessed with four children.
He attended Winona State University, where he ran cross country and track. He continued his love for running daily right up until his disease prevented him from doing so. In 1967 he started his career as a physical science teacher at Mabel-Canton, where he started a cross country program and coached track. In 1972 they moved to Elgin, MN where Verdon taught physical education and health, retiring in 2001. Verdon was affectionally called Chief by students and many parents after telling a class there are many Indians and only one Chief. Verdon had a passion for coaching and enjoyed spending time and getting to know his athletes. While at Elgin-Millville, he coached two cross country state titles, two runners-up, a track state title and a runner up. He also coached several individual state champions in cross country and track.
Verdon was inducted in the Minnesota State Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1995, the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Plainview-Elgin-Millville Hall of Fame in 2018. He was past Vice-President and President of the Minnesota State Cross Country Coaches Association and a member of the cross-country ratings committee for seven years.
Verdon was passionate about telling stories and talking to people. After a family function when he was telling a story he had repeated many times to a group of relatives, one of his sons said to his siblings, maybe he should number his stories. Then when he called out a number, we would all laugh; but then we wouldn’t have to hear the same story again. He also never met a stranger. After making Renee wait while he was visiting with someone he met, she would ask him, “who was that.” He would respond, “I don’t know!”
Verdon cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends and former athletes. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their favorite sports and other activities, also cheering for the Minnesota sports teams.
Verdon will always be remembered by his wife of 53 years, Renee, daughter, Angie (Dave) LaBare, Elgin; sons, Brian (Brooke) Hasleiet, Dover; and Jon (Tonya) Hasleiet, Center Point, Iowa. Ten grandchildren, one step-grandchild; Ashton LaBare, Jacob LaBare, Joshua LaBare, Katie Hasleiet, Haley Hasleiet (Brad Smith) Alexis Hasleiet, Trey Hasleiet, Braxton Bernard, Payton Hasleiet, Cameron Hasleiet, Avery Hasleiet and 7 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Donna Halvorsen and Nancy (Gary) Rustad and one brother, Wayne (Valerie) Hasleiet.
Verdon was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter, Tracy and brother-in-law, Jon Halvorsen.
The family wishes to thank St. Croix Hospice and staff for their care and compassion, enabling Verdon to stay at home.
Visitation will be held at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel on Sunday, November 14 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Monday, November 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Plainview, with Pastor Krista Henning-Ferkin officiating, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the at the church. Burial will be at the Peterson West Cemetery in Peterson, Minnesota.
Memorials may be made to PSP researcher, PEM Scholarship Fund for a distance runner or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel, the guest register may be signed at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com