William Allen Haggstrom

William Allen Haggstrom,

86, of Zionsville, passed away April 21, 2020.  Bill was proud of many accomplishments in his life.  He grew up and attended school in Minneapolis, MN.  After high school graduation, he proudly served his country during the Korean War.  Afterwards, as a combat veteran, he went to the University of Minnesota and earned a Bachelor’s degree as well as a Master’s degree in Education.  Between degrees, Bill travelled the U.S. and Canada representing his fraternity, Theta Chi. While working on his Master’s degree, he was a teaching assistant at the university.

After completing his studies, Bill spent an exciting time with the Washington Senators baseball team as they moved to Minneapolis.  Bill became the first Minneapolis Ticket Office Manager of the new Minnesota Twins organization.

After getting things established there, he returned to education at Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.  He was offered a newly created position, Director of Student Activities.  When he got to campus, he found out the position also included Athletics-which meant coaching the football team.  It was a FUN year!  The University must have thought so too.  Since 1962, the “Bill Haggstrom Trophy” has been awarded to a student contributing the most to athletics at Laurier.

But the best thing that happened in 1962 for Bill was when he finally married “the love of his life” Norma Johnson.  Bill and Norma had initially met at the University of Minnesota in an art class. However, they didn’t begin dating until they met again after both had graduated.  The 56 years of marriage that Bill and Norma had together was an adventure.

Bill, with his lovely bride, moved to Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio to establish the Student Union Center.  He was also their first Student Union Director.  He then moved on to the University of Hartford, in Hartford, CT and helped them get their Student Union up and running.  He was their first Director as well.

Feeling a bit old now in the college scene, Bill decided to move on to the real world of business.  He helped a number of companies in Sales, Marketing, and Sales Training.  Along the way, Bill and Norma also added more to the mix.  Three children kept the family busy with academics and athletics.

His final and most rewarding job was with the Salvation Army.  He was asked to help with their Planned Giving Program in Indiana.  Only planning on staying for two years, he found so much enjoyment with the organization and mission that 10 years quickly passed.  Norma ultimately said “enough” – it’s time for retirement and more family adventures.

They travelled extensively to the Caribbean, Europe, and Western Canada.  In addition, building a second home in Santa Fe, NM was a dream come true.  Travelling back and forth between Santa Fe and their Zionsville home made for wonderful stories.

Bill was very active in the Zionsville community.  He was co-founder and first President of the Zionsville Swim Club, served on the Boone County Foundation Board, was past President of the Zionsville Rotary Club, and a Paul Harris Fellow.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Norma, whom he is surely dancing with now and having many laughs.

Missing both of them are his surviving children, Kirsten (John) and their children, Katarina, Natasha and Erika of Zionsville; Ingrid of Carmel; and Wade and his son, Carter of Terre Haute.  Bill referred to them as his band of winners.

Finally, Bill wanted everyone to know he started playing Racquetball back at the University of Minnesota and became a competitive player until a knee replacement slowed him way down.  He was 75 years old at the time!  He often said, “Old Racquetball players never die, they just fade away!” With that in mind – there will be no funeral services.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, Hidden Falls Camp Endowment Fund, 6060 Castleway West Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46250.

Arrangements entrusted to A.R.N. Funeral & Cremation Services.  Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.arnmortuary.com.