STACYVILLE — James Francis Havlovic, 92, of Stacyville, passed away peacefully Thursday, August 27, 2026, with his loving family beside him.
A rosary will begin at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, September 3, at Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, followed by visitation from 4 to 7 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 4, at the church. James will be laid to rest at Visitation Catholic Cemetery, with a luncheon following the burial.
James was born June 19, 1934, to Joseph and Edith Rerucha Havlovic. He graduated from high school in Brainard, Nebraska, in 1953 and later served his country in the United States Army.
After completing his military service, James moved to the Stacyville area to live with his aunt and uncle, George and Rose Kriz. His new home would become the setting for a life filled with farming, family, faith and community service.
James met Elaine Brumm when they were cast together in a Stacyville community theater production of “The Black Derby.” They married August 17, 1963, at Visitation Catholic Church and shared 61 years of marriage before Elaine’s death.
Together, James and Elaine raised five children and operated their farm near Stacyville, growing corn and soybeans and raising hogs. James earned recognition as a Master Pork Producer in 1983. He took great pride in maintaining his machinery and keeping his soybean fields exceptionally clean.
His commitment to the area extended far beyond his farm. James served Visitation Catholic Church and Visitation Catholic School and contributed his time and judgment to the Stacyville Community Nursing Home, Stacyville Co-op Elevator, Stacyville Savings Bank and the Hawes Court residential community.
James enjoyed visiting family and friends, taking drives to see the people he cared about and supporting neighbors, community members and local businesses. He will be remembered for his faith, honesty, humility, kindness and willingness to help others.
James is survived by his children, Joan (Patrick) Bradley of Dubuque, Richard Havlovic (Jane Lobdell) of Stacyville, William (Beth) Havlovic of Waverly, Mark (Karen) Havlovic of St. Ansgar and Paul (Shelly) Havlovic of Phoenix, Arizona; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; several siblings and in-laws; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine; his parents; and his brothers, Brother Edward Havlovic, Ernest Havlovic, Joseph Havlovic Jr., Raymond Havlovic, Francis Havlovic and Jerome Havlovic.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Stacyville Community Nursing Home, St. Ansgar First Responders or Visitation Catholic Church.
Hoff Celebrations — Champion Chapel of Osage is caring for James and his family. To read additional information or share a remembrance, please click here.
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