Henry “Happy Hank” Quien

June 2, 1936 - September 6, 2012

Visitation: Visitation will begin at 12:00pm Tuesday, September 11, with family present to greet friends from 6:00pm-9:00pm and a time of sharing to be held at 7:00pm in the chapel.

Service: A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at Anderson-Jones-Corcoran Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg, SD. Visitation will begin at 12:00pm with family present to greet friends from 6:00pm-9:00pm and a time of sharing to be held at 7:00pm in the chapel.

Henry Elling “Happy Hank” Quien, 75 passed on September 6, 2012.

Henry Elling “Happy Hank” Quien, 75 passed on September 6, 2012.

Hank was born June 2, 1937 in Canton, SD to Andrew and Ruby (Strand) Quien.  He grew up in Canton, SD and graduated from Canton High School in 1956.  He then entered the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1959.

Hank was united in marriage with Carol Waggoner on December 3, 1960.  To this union they had four children.  The couple resided in Sioux Falls, SD where Hank worked for Halde Plaster, Sweetman Construction, Greenlee and Meilman Packing Plants, Sioux Sports and Sears.  Hank purchased the farm currently known as Happy Hank’s Furniture Barn in 1976 and opened for business in 1977.  He worked many years and long hours with his sons to make the business successful. And how could anyone forget the phrase “I’m Happy Hank, and I want Your Business”.  Hank retired in 1999. Hank moved to Arizona and enjoyed the sun, and golfing.  He moved back to Sioux Falls in 2011 to be closer to his family.

Hank also loved sports, any kind and would watch them as often as he could. His tv channel was stuck on ESPN.  He coached his children’s youth basketball teams over the years and got great enjoyment out of that.  Hank was also involved with sports at a higher level as well (Traub Silo), YMCA basketball). He began his umpiring career in 1967 and retired in 1980.  During that time, Hank was the Umpire-in-Chief for 5 Slow Pitch Regional Tournaments.  In addition, he umped in the following National Tournaments: 1974 Men’s 16” in Marshalltown, IA; 1976 Men’s  16” in Sioux Falls, SD; and 1977 Men’s Major 12” in Cleveland, OH.   From 1975-80, Hank served as State Slow Pitch Umpire-in-Chief.  As Umpire-in-Chief, he started conducting clinics for umpires across the state, putting on at least 15 clinics each year. He also instrumental in supporting Women’s Softball in Sioux Falls, SD.  Hank was inducted in to the SDASA Hall of Fame in 1985. What a great honor and accomplishment that was for him. Hank was also involved with Elk’s Club, Sertoma, and the American Legion.

Grateful for having shared his life are his children, Mike Quien, Mitch (Kathy) Quien, Melanie (Eric) Hayman, Marisa Quien; honorary son, Darin (Rebecca) Corcoran; 7 grandchildren; Blake, Zach, Jersey, Brooke, Brock, Piper, and Blair; three sisters, Hazel Rogers, Mary McClung, Rachel Sundvold; a brother, Jim Quien; and ex-wife and mother of his children, Carol Quien.  Preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jack; and nephew, Andy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Tiger Nation Athletic Foundation, P.O Box 479, Harrisburg SD, 57032.

A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at Anderson-Jones-Corcoran Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg, SD.  Visitation will begin at 12:00pm with family present to greet friends from 6:00pm-9:00pm and a time of sharing to be held at 7:00pm in the chapel.www.harrisburgchapel.com

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16 messages have been left

  1. Mary Lee Cady on September 8, 2012 said:

    So very sorry to hear of Hanks passing, we will all miss another of Harrisburg’s good old boys.

  2. Terri Graves White on September 8, 2012 said:

    Mike, Mitch, Mel, Marrisa and Families,
    Sending you my condolences in the death of your father. He was a larger than life character that breathed life into the community of Harrisburg. Always involved in the daily activities you had weather it be sports or academics I can remember him being there cheering you on. May all of your best family memories carry you though this difficult time. Prayers to the entire family !

  3. Cindy Nelson on September 8, 2012 said:

    Mitch and Mike,
    Sorry to hear about your dad. May God comfort you in this difficult time. Remember the good times, and keep the memories alive forever in your hearts and minds. May God Bless you all.
    Cindy Nelson (Ralph Brown’s daughter)

  4. Kathy Harris on September 9, 2012 said:

    My thoughts and prayers are with the whole Quein family. Hank was one of those bigger than life personalities. He will be missed!!

  5. Francis and Rosemary Beuckens on September 9, 2012 said:

    Our thoughts are for the family of Hank- who was a great friend. I especially remember Hank who many times helped me out umpiring while I was in Fastpitch softball. He always said where you do one thing, you can do two— and I today still live by that theory. He was a fun person- loving person. I particularly remember his license plate.
    Stay strong for one another- in this difficult time .

  6. Jennifer Leverett on September 9, 2012 said:

    Hank was a bright stop, in my life, from visits at the store with my dad, swimming in the pool, rides in the golf cart, visiting him in AZ, and last month having dinner with him. As a member of my extended family, I will always smile when I think of him…. and miss him saying “Hows it going Jenny, baby”. Big Johnny and Happy Hank, are having a few laughs together.
    My deepest Condolences, to the Quien Family… With Love Jennifef Leverett

  7. Craig and Kari Berndt on September 9, 2012 said:

    We were saddened to hear about the loss of your Dad! Our thoughts are with all of you and your families at this time.

  8. Kim Clary on September 9, 2012 said:

    Dear Marisa, Mel & family, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. My first thought was how he greeted me EVERY time I saw him…”there’s my little Norwegian.” It always made me feel special. God bless all of you in this difficult time.

    1. Marisa on September 10, 2012 said:

      Hey Kim! That was such a sweet memory that you shared… he did always call you his little Norwegian! My Dad was in these last years in an extreme amount of pain but our focus these days is not on that, it’s on the special man that he was and the love that he gave. He was a card (a wild one)! Our family hopes that many people can join us and share stories of the one and only Happy Hank.
      Marisa

  9. Karen and Glade Aleck on September 10, 2012 said:

    So sorry to hear about Hanks death. Our sympathy’s are with your family through this difficult time.

  10. Carol Messner on September 10, 2012 said:

    So sorry to hear about Happy Hank’s passing. Know that the thoughts and prayers of many are with you all at this difficult time.

    Carol & Steve Messner family

  11. VICKI NIEMI on September 11, 2012 said:

    SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT HANKS DEATH,MY SYMPATHYS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY,HANK WAS AN AWESOME MAN.NEVER BE FORGOTTON.

  12. Niemi family on September 11, 2012 said:

    We send our deepest sympathy to all the family and friends of Hank. He was a great man and will always be remember and never forgotten.

  13. Sara (Holmgren) Beach on September 11, 2012 said:

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your dad is in so many of my memories of my Harrisburg Days. I don’t believe there was a game or event that your dad was not a part of. He was a true supporter of his community and stands very tall. He will be missed by all of those that he touched.

  14. Denise Sundvold on September 14, 2012 said:

    Our children, Bobby, Ryne, Haley and Cameron, adored their “Uncle Hank” and we all have wonderful memories of him. Thoughts and prayers continue for our Quien family.

  15. Peggy Severson on September 21, 2012 said:

    I am so sorry about the passing of Hank. I know he will be much missed by his family. God bless you all during this difficult time.