"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.