Bob Haukoos

Bob Haukoos
Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives
from the 27A district
In office
January 3, 1979 – January 3, 1995
Preceded by Henry J. Savelkoul
Succeeded by Ron Kraus
Personal details
Born (1931-06-21)June 21, 1931
Walters, Minnesota
Died September 10, 2011(2011-09-10) (aged 80)
Albert Lea, Minnesota
Political party Republican Party of Minnesota
Spouse(s) Grace
Children 2
Residence Albert Lea, Minnesota
Profession legislator
Religion Baptist
Military service
Allegiance  United States of America
Service/branch  United States Navy
Years of service 1950–1953
Battles/wars Korean War

Melvin Robert (Bob) Haukoos (June 21, 1931 – September 10, 2011) was a Minnesota politician and was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1979-1995. Haukoos, a Republican, who represented District 27A, which included all or portions of Freeborn and Mower counties in the southeastern part of the state. Haukoos also served as the Mayor of Albert Lea, Minnesota from 2001-2002.[1]

Early life, education, and career

Born in Walters, Minnesota to Russell and Emma Hauskins Haukoos, Haukoos attended Kiester-Walters Public Schools. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve and was called to active duty in 1950. During the Korean War, he served on the flight decks of the aircraft carriers USS Antietam and the USS Oriskany operating off the coast of Korea. After the war he became a firefighter for the Albert Lea, Minnesota Fire Department. He served on the fire department for 21 1/2 years, retiring as captain of the blue shift.[2]

Minnesota House of Representatives

Elections

Haukoos was first elected to the House on November 7, 1978, he was re-elected in 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, and 1992. In 1994 he decided to retire from the legislature.

1992 Minnesota State Representative- House 27A[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
DFL John Severtson 7134 39.69
Republican 'Bob Haukoos 10281 57.20
1990 Minnesota State Representative- House 31A[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
DFL John Severtson 3796 33.38
Republican 'Bob Haukoos 7127 62.68
1988 Minnesota State Representative- House 31A[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
DFL Colin "Coke" Minehart 4940 36.22
Republican 'Bob Haukoos 8699 63.78
1986 Minnesota State Representative- House 31A[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
DFL Colin "Coke" Minehart 3900 37.90
Republican 'Bob Haukoos 5987 58.10
1984 Minnesota State Representative- House 31A[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
DFL Arnold L. Hanson 5302 35.10
Republican 'Bob Haukoos 8703 57.60
1982 Minnesota State Representative- House 31A[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
DFL Elaine Wenz 4092 30.66
Republican 'Bob Haukoos 8519 63.82
1980 Minnesota State Representative- House 31A[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
DFL Colin "Coke" Minehart 3969 35.30
Republican 'Bob Haukoos 7267 65.60
1978 Minnesota State Representative- House 31A[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
DFL Chuck Carpenter 3506 35.60
Republican 'Bob Haukoos 6352 64.40

Committee Assignments

For the 78th Legislative Session, Haukoos was part of the:

For the 77th Legislative Session, Haukoos was part of the:

For the 76th Legislative Session, Haukoos was part of the:

For the 75th Legislative Session, Haukoos was part of the:

For the 74th Legislative Session, Haukoos was part of the:

For the 73rd Legislative Session, Haukoos was part of the:

For the 72nd Legislative Session, Haukoos was part of the:

For the 71st Legislative Session, Haukoos was part of the:

Tenure

Haukoos was first sworn in on January 3, 1979, serving until January 3, 1995. He served in the 71st, 72nd, 73rd, 74th, 75th, 76th, 77th, and 78th Minnesota Legislatures. In 1990, Haukoos was a co-sponsor of a legislative bill renaming Helmer Myre State Park based on Albert Lea Lake as Myre-Big Island State Park.[4] Haukoos helped pass a law on Airplane Frequent Flyer Benefits that makes the frequent-flyer miles accrued belong to the purchaser of the ticket, which, in some cases, is the state or other governmental unit. As fiscal conservative, Haukoos opposed the state increasing staffing at rest areas. Instead, He sponsored a bill that allowed the state to take bids on installing the kiosks containing both information for travelers and advertising. The company would sell the ad space and the state would receive part of the revenue. In the 76th Legislative Session, Haukoos strongly opposed a proposal to allow only video gambling in bars and restaurants and eliminate paper pulltabs because it could have caused job layoffs for a local Albert Lea company that produces paper pulltabs.[5]

Post-legislative career

After the Legislature he worked as field representative for 1st District U.S. Representative Gil Gutknecht and enjoyed camaraderie with former colleagues during a term as Master at Arms for the Minnesota House of Representatives. Haukoos served a term as mayor of Albert Lea during 2001-2002. During his term as Mayor,the meat-packaging plant Farmstead caught fire and burned down. After almost 15 years, the city has yet to do anything with the land.[2][6]

Personal life

Haukoos married his wife Grace McNeil on July 28, 1955. They have 2 kids, Miriam and Robert. They have 3 grandchildren from Robert. They resided in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He was a dedicated and faithful public servant, giving his time and energy to many public causes. For 20 years he was a member of the board of the American Lung Association of Minnesota. At various times he served on the boards of Naeve Hospital, the National Guard Advisory Committee, the Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the City of Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority and numerous other organizations. He was a long time member of Golden Kiwanis, the VFW, the American Legion and the Sons of Norway. For more than 50 years, Bob was an active member of the First Baptist Church, including service as treasurer, usher and member of the Board of Deacons.[2] Haukoos is also related to former Minnesota Congressman Tim Penny.[7]

Death

Haukoos died at his home in Albert Lea, Minnesota on the morning of September 10, 2011, after dealing with congestive heart disease for many years. His funeral was held at the First Baptist Church in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He was buried in Graceland Cemetery.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 "Haukoos, Melvin Robert "Bob" - Legislator Record - Minnesota Legislators Past & Present". Leg.state.mn.us. Retrieved 2015-05-31.
  2. 1 2 3 "Bob Haukoos, 80, Albert Lea". Albertleatribune.com. Retrieved 2015-05-31.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Results for State Representative District 27A" (PDF). Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
  4. ↑ "Two reminders for the big island". Albertleatribune.com. Retrieved 2015-05-31.
  5. ↑ "Albert Lea lawmaker retires 'practicing his preaching'" (PDF). Leg.mn. Retrieved 2015-05-31.
  6. ↑ "Farmland : 10 years later". Albertleatribune.com. Retrieved 2015-05-31.
  7. ↑ "Bob Haukoos, 1931-2011". Albertleatribune.com. Retrieved 2015-05-31.

External links

Minnesota House of Representatives
Preceded by
Henry Savelkoul		 Member of the Minnesota House of Representatives
from District 27A
31st (1987–1993)
1979–1995 		Succeeded by
Ron Kraus
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