Skandia––Harold J. Haglund Sr., 73, of 556 Yalmer Road, Skandia, entered eternal life Saturday morning, January 19, 2008, at home, in the comfort and care of his family and the caregivers of Lake Superior Hospice.
Harold was born March 25, 1934 at the family farm in Skandia, a son of Alfred and Dorothy (Hawkins) Haglund, and lived his entire life on the land homesteaded by his grandfather. On September 15, 1952, he married the former Sandra A. Dale in Skandia. Throughout the years, Harold worked at the Cliff Dow and then as a self-employed logger, before beginning a career with the Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad, retiring in 1994 as a conductor with 38 years of service to the railroad. Always one to keep busy, and a “Mr. Fix-it”, Harold constantly seemed to be fixing, making, or inventing things. His lifelong passion was making maple syrup and he passed his skills and secrets to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening, going to his camp at Nevins Lake, and was known for his cooking skills. For over ten years, he and Sandra traveled in their motorhome to Laughlin, Nevada, to spend the winters.
A devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, and brother, he is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sandra; his children, Gary (Annie) Haglund of Colorado Springs, CO, Harold (Ruth) Haglund Jr of Shingleton, Lois (Mike) Rowland and Sue (Curt) Mathews both of Skandia, Kay (Gary) Sims of Marquette, Julie (Fiancee, Jeff Burkland) Fraley of Gladstone, Mark (Bonnie) Haglund and Shannon (Kevin) Delongchamp both of Ishpeming; 23 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister, Margaret (Bob) Swenor of Marquette; and brothers, George (Nina) Haglund of Beaver Grove, Oscar (Mary) Haglund of Marquette, and David (Gloria) Haglund of Skandia; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition of his parents, Harold was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Anthony Dale Arvey and Joseph Robert Just; a great-grandson, Adam Scott Haglund; sisters, Bernice Haglund and Betty Wallenslager; and brothers, Robert, Fred, Dick, and Floyd Haglund.
The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey on Wednesday, January 23, beginning at 4:00 pm. The Funeral Liturgy will follow at 6:00 pm Wednesday evening with Deacon David Adler presiding. A dessert reception will be held in Fr Gauthier Hall. Spring burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.
At his death, Harold became a Gift of Life donor.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Lake Superior Hospice for the many kindnesses extended to Harold and his family.