Francis Robert Haney

Francis Robert Haney, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away unexpectedly. 

Born on August 24, 1940, Francis grew up farming alongside his father on the Haney family farm on Waumandee Creek with his four brothers and two sisters. In his early years, he helped deliver milk to neighbors through the family’s trucking business and later worked in roofing before co-founding Haney Heating and Air Conditioning with his brother Jerry. Together, they proudly served the communities of Alma, Cochrane, Fountain City, and Winona, known for their dedication and willingness to answer calls—even in the middle of snowstorms—to make sure families stayed warm.

On August 27, 1960, Francis married his high school sweetheart, Doris Lucy Merchlewitz. Together they built a life filled with love, family, and laughter, raising four children: Lisa (Jim) Palkowski, Lynn Cothron, Lori (Tom) Beckendorf, and Michael, who passed away at the age of 11. 

Francis loved spending time outdoors, especially along the Mississippi River. He enjoyed fishing, boating, and camping, and treasured countless family gatherings at the lakeshore property fondly known as “the Land.” There, he delighted in pontoon rides with his children and grandchildren and was famous for cooking his “charcoal chicken” on his flip-flop grill. He also enjoyed outings to local casinos with Doris and the family, where he could often be found at his favorite Wolf Run slot machine or a video poker table.

He also enjoyed a longstanding tradition each spring (after the grandkids basketball season was done) of taking everyone to a Wisconsin Dells waterpark where many of the grandkids first found their love of the water!

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Irene (Wicka); his son, Mike; and his brothers Gerald (Diane) and Robert “Babe” (Mary).

Francis is survived by his devoted wife, Doris; his children Lisa, Lynn, and Lori; his grandchildren Nickolas (Ariel) and Kelly Palkowski, Mitchell (Morgan) Beckendorf with their children Landon and Liam, Dalton and Sydney Cothron, Amanda and Nicole (Nate) Beckendorf; his siblings Ronald (Charlotte), Les (Lorraine), Bonnie Thrune (Eugene-deceased), and Janice Voss; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly. Francis will be remembered for his kindness, work ethic, humor, and the deep love he held for his family. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched.

Arrangements are pending with Talbot Family Funeral Homes.