JAMES N. HALIK
JAMES N. HALIK
James N. Halik, 76, of Black River Falls, WI, passed away unexpectedly Nov. 1, 2024.
Jim was born to George and Josephine (Houd) Halik July 19, 1948, in Black River Falls. Jim attended school in Disco and later graduated from Black River Falls High School. After high school, he attended UW-River Falls and graduated with a bachelors in economics. After graduating, he worked for FHA – Wisconsin Rapids.
In 1974, he proudly purchased the home farm on Cloverdale Road, which he operated for 50 years. During this time, he was an incredibly successful farmer and expanded his farming business.
Jim married Barbara Van Laanen, and the two raised five children for 25 years before later divorcing. He would later marry Judy Spanbauer, and the two shared the last 18 happy years together.
Although Jim loved farming and dedicated his life to it, his true love was his family and many friends. He was so proud of his children and especially proud of his grandkids. Jim loved talking to his friends and loved ones over the phone, watching the grandkids play sports and having them help out on the farm. He was also an avid Green Bay Packers fan.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, George and Josephine; his son, Bradley; nephew Travis Michaels; stepson Ryan Spanbauer; and dear friend Donnie Anderson.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; children Eric Halik, Valerie (Mark Dean) Young, Tiffany (Curt) Jerome and Brenda (Tim) Zillmer; grandchildren Jordan and Colin Zillmer and Zoe, Axl and Ruger Spanbauer; and siblings George (Rose) Halik, Alice (Jerry) Halik and Cindy (Jack) Michaels. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Sparky.
A memorial service will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Black River Falls Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Immediately after the service, all are invited to join the family for a meal at the Black River Falls American Legion; burial will be at Trout Run Cemetery following luncheon.