James W. Haun

James “Jim” Walter Haun, 93, of Sparta passed away peacefully at Rolling Hills Rehabilitation Center & Nursing Home on September 4, 2024 surrounded by his family. He was born June 5, 1931 in Butternut, Wisconsin, to George W. and Anna (Kronberger) Haun. He was the youngest of six children. His father unexpectantly passed away in 1938.

After graduating from Butternut High School, Jim joined the Army and was stationed in Alaska repairing heavy equipment during the Korean War. After his service, he returned to Butternut and joined his brother, Arthur, working for Fifield Forest Products. In 1960, the business moved to the Cataract, Wisconsin, area. Jim drove the logging truck for the operation transporting timber from where it was cut to the sawmill. As the business evolved, he provided other skilled labor until it suddenly closed in the mid-1990s. After a brief stint at Walmart, he joined the team at Brenengen Ford (FKA Sparta Motors). There, he was a jack-of-all-trades driving customers, detailing vehicles, cleaning the showroom, and assisting wherever he could. Jimbo, as he was called, also organized and cooked a monthly lunch for the employees. He worked there until his retirement in 2011. He was proud of working 60 years, retiring at the age of 80.

On June 30, 1956, he married the love of his life and “girl-next-door”, Agnes T. Bucheger. They resided in Park Falls, Wisconsin until they moved for his job to the Cataract area. During their years together, they moved several times to accommodate their careers ending back in Sparta in 1990. Jim and Agnes raised three children. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to them and was proud of their accomplishments.

Jim was a DIY-type of guy and never shied away from taking on a project. He was active in Sparta’s American Legion Post 100 serving a time as its commander. He also was very involved in its bingo operation. While he followed the Green Bay Packers, he was a Milwaukee Brewers fan, watching, listening, or attending many games. Jim and Agnes took great pleasure in touring the USA on bus tours and made many friends during their travels. Combining his DIY attitude and creative skills, Jim built furniture pieces for his children and his home. He also enjoyed building wooden, country crafts for a Tomah store. He religiously donated blood. Until the last few years of his life, he filled his spare time with various odd jobs and tasks. Keeping busy and fit was a habit learned and reinforced through the years. With early-morning paper deliveries, walking one of his son’s dog, tending his garden, or keeping his lawn the envy of the neighborhood, he proudly filled his days. Since his move to the Sparta area in 1960, he was a life-long member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Sparta.

Jim was proceeded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law; his siblings and their spouses; and several of his brothers and sisters-in-law.

Jim is survived by his wife of 68 years. He is further survived by his children; Mary A. (Daniel J.) Trussoni, Michael J. (Jenny L.) Haun, and William G. (Karon K.) Haun; grandchildren; Justin D. (Sarah J.) Trussoni, Theresa A. (Jacob T.) Nyberg, Eric M. (Lauren E.) Haun, Katherine K. (Bret R.) Schuring, and Andrew J. Haun. While he loved and was proud of his children and grandchildren, his great grandchildren brought him immense joy. They include Jamison A. and Benjamin R. Trussoni, Addison L. and Miles R. Nyberg, Tatum R., Canton T., and Bodee J. Haun, and Elliot R., Liam P., and Olivia K. Schuring. He is also survived by Agnes’ remaining siblings and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Mayo Hospice team with a special thank you to “Nurse” Mary. They would also like to thank the staff of Rolling Hills Rehabilitation Center & Nursing Home for the wonderful care Jim received for the past 15 months.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M., Monday, September 16, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday evening, Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. ending with Father Berns leading a Vigil Prayer Service. Visitation the day of the service at the Church starting at 10:00 A.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Sparta Area Cancer Support, Inc. (SACS), PO Box 130, Sparta, or The Ecumenical Bread Basket Food Pantry, 116 North Water Street, Sparta. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, in Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.

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