Willard Anton Haigh

Willard Anton Haigh, 85, passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at the family’s Chimney Rock farm in Eleva, Wisconsin. Willard was born February 16, 1930 in Cream, Wisconsin to Oscar and Clara (Bohlinger) Haigh. He grew up in the Alma area and graduated from Alma High School in 1948. After high school, Willard served with the US Army during the Korean War. Following his service, Willard married Karolyn Kay Hawkenson on April 22, 1957 in Alma. Attending the Winona State University as a married veteran, Willard graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Teaching. After graduating, Willard pursued a number of professions. Willard’s vocations included: teaching at Fountain City High School, working as a field man for the Alma Creamery, owning taverns in Bloomer and Durand, making sweets as a confectioner, before becoming a dairy farmer in 1964 for the remainder of his life. Farming was one of Willard’s greatest enjoyments. His fondest memories were of driving the 706 tractor while planting and harvesting crops. He loved his family, and he and Karolyn enjoyed having family gatherings on their farm in Eleva. Willard and Karolyn purchased the farm 51 years ago, from Karolyn’s family who established the homestead in 1876. Willard always felt the strength of agriculture was derived from multi-generation family farms. Willard is survived by his wife of 58 years, Karolyn; four children, Kevin (Lisa) Haigh of Charleston, SC., Gregory (Diane) Haigh of Eleva, Renee (Charles) Bluem of Osseo, Mary Haigh of Eleva; 7 grandchild, Sheena (Daniel) Bruder, Katherine (Jeffery) Hagen, Britni (Michael) McAnally, Lance Stensen (Danyelle Steinke), Cody Haigh, Candace Haigh (Adam Ellinghuysen),Ilona Haigh, 14 great-grandchildren; Brennen Stensen-Veenendall, Chase Stensen-Veenendall, Breleigh Bruder, Carter Bruder, Lucas Hagen, Ethan Hagen, Max Haigh, Ariana Haigh, River Ellinghuysen, Lily Haigh, Michael Haigh, James Haigh, Maylin Haigh, Elijah Haigh; his brother Lyle (Elaine) Haigh and sister-in-law Joyce (Russell) Haigh; nieces, nephews and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his and Karolyn’s infant daughter Bridget, parents Oscar and Clara, his four sisters, Mildred, Marion, Alberta, Oliva, and two brothers, Herbert and Russell. Visitation will be held at Talbot Funeral Home in Mondovi on Friday, September 4, 2015 at 1:00 PM until the time of service at 3:00 PM. A private family burial will follow. Talbot Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.talbotfuneralhomes.com Willard’s family would like to thank Dr. Nathaniel Jalil, Head Nurse Mary Richbourgrn, and all hospital staff within the Dialysis Center at Sacred Heart Hospital for the wonderful care they provided Willard.