James H. Haglund

Jim Haglund Obituary

After 82 years, a massive stroke claimed the life of Jim Haglund on February 12, 2025, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. His wife Norma was at his side.

Jim, born October 18, 1942, in Lake City to Vernon and Thelma Haglund, attended Lincoln High School.

After graduating in 1960, Jim joined the U.S. Navy. He was stationed at sea aboard the USS Randolph when it picked up the astronaut, John Glenn, who was the first man to orbit the earth. Following his stint in the Navy, Jim attended the University of Minnesota at Mankato. He then accepted a job with Goodyear Rubber Company.

On March 30, 1968, Jim and Norma (Francis) were married. Shortly after that he was promoted to Territory Manager in southwest Minnesota. The couple resided in Montevideo before returning to Lake City in 1972, where Jim became an orchardist at Francis and Francis Orchards (The Apple House). Twenty years later he retired from the orchard business and began working for Glander Excavating, followed by a job at Lake City Disposal. He was currently employed at the Lake City Country Club mowing greens during the golf season.

Partially due to his naval experiences, Jim developed a taste for travel. During their marriage, Jim and Norma traveled to the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico, Norway, Egypt, China (twice), Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Tahiti. These experiences formed many fond and lasting memories.

Throughout all this time, Jim and Norma bred and raised registered, black Arabian horses. Jim was an avid fiction reader of mysteries and westerns.

Jim was a “people” person. He thoroughly enjoyed being around people and sharing anecdotes - of which he had many. He will leave a huge vacuum and will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Norma, his sister Nancy Farina in New Jersey, nieces (Diane, Donna, Debra, and Denise) and nephews (Robert, Michael, and Steven). He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers - John and Tom.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 21st from 4-7pm at Mahn Funeral Home Anderson-Peterson Chapel in Lake City. On-Line Condolences can be placed at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com