NEW HAMPTON – James Francis Laures, a lifelong New Hampton man remembered for his steady work ethic, military service, love of conversation and devotion to family, died Thursday, May 28, 2026, at MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center. He was 88.
Laures was born January 26, 1938, in New Hampton to Felix and Margaret Laures. He grew up in the community and graduated from New Hampton High School with the class of 1957.
Over the years, Laures built a life marked by hard work. He worked at Earl Drewelow’s mink farm, Blue Line Oil Company and the former Supersweet Feeds before spending 30 years at Waterloo John Deere Tractor Works. He retired in 1997.
Laures also served six years in the National Guard and was honorably discharged. In 2019, he received a Quilt of Valor, an honor he deeply appreciated.
On July 8, 1961, Laures married Joann Brincks at Sacred Heart Church at Reilly Ridge. After his active-duty service, the couple moved to the farm they had purchased, beginning a life together that would span nearly 64 years and include three children.
Family members remember Laures as a man who enjoyed visiting with people and could talk about nearly any subject. After retirement, he and Joann enjoyed bus trips, day trips, old-time music and summer outings with their grandchildren.
He also lived with a simple but meaningful goal: to leave places better than he found them.
Laures is survived by his wife, Joann; a son; a daughter; son-in-law Neal Schwickerath; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Leah Schwickerath; a sister, Janet Laures; and other family members.
A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton. Visitation is scheduled from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church before the service. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in New Hampton.
Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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