James N. Halik, 76, of Black River Falls, Wis. passed away unexpectedly on November 1,
2024.
Jim was born to George and Josephine (Houd) Halik on 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 twenty-five 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, Brenda (Tim) Zillmer; grandchildren Jordan and Colin Zillmer, Zoe, Axl and Ruger
Spanbauer; 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 the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Black River Falls on Friday,
November 8, 2024. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.
Immediately after the service, all are invited to join the family for a meal at the Black River Falls
American Legion, burial at Trout Run Cemetery following luncheon.
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