Clifford Haskins

Clifford Havener Haskins, age 99, of Laona, Wisconsin, completed this part of his life on January 24, 2026.

He was born to Clifford E. Haskins and Ethelind Beatrice (Havener) Haskins in Wausau, Wisconsin, on September 22, 1926.

He grew up in Wabeno and Laona, Wisconsin, and graduated from Laona High School and Carroll College, majoring in psychology and sociology. He attended Colgate Rochester Divinity School in Rochester, New York, graduating with an M.Div. in pastoral ministry.

He was ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1953 and began his ministry in Hurley, Wisconsin, later serving churches in Manitowish Falls and Oakland, Wisconsin, near Superior.

In 1955, while in Superior, Clifford married Jeanne Elizabeth Harrison of Orange City, Florida. In 1957, they moved to southeast Michigan, where Clifford served churches in Clarkston (Presbytery of Detroit) and Lapeer (Presbytery of Lake Huron), where he ministered for fifteen years.

In 1976, he accepted a call to First Presbyterian Church in Burlington, Iowa (Presbytery of East Iowa), which he served until 1986.

At that time, Clifford, in counsel with Jeanne, decided to spend his final years before retirement as an interim pastor. Following specialized training at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, he served as interim pastor in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Wausau, Wisconsin; Pittsford, New York; and Marinette and De Pere, Wisconsin. Over his 37 years of ministry, he was actively involved in community organizations and the presbyteries he served.

In 1990, Clifford and Jeanne retired to Silver Lake near Laona, Wisconsin, where their summer cottage had been expanded and made into a year-round home. Following retirement, he provided short-term interim service to churches in Three Lakes, Wisconsin, and Kingsford and Escanaba, Michigan.

He also became active in Winnebago Presbytery, serving on the Personnel and Preparation for Ministry committees. During that time, he provided pastoral care and administrative leadership during periods of transition when an installed pastor left a parish and before a new pastor arrived.

His concern for environmental issues led him to be elected to the Board of Directors of Wisconsin Lakes Association, to serve as a founding board member of the Forest County Association of Lakes, and to be an active member of the Forest County Silver Lake Association. He also became a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Northwoods Land Trust.

With concern for the elderly, he served on the Forest County Commission on Aging. He was a member of the Learning in Retirement organization in Rhinelander and was active in the trips and programs offered by the Nicolet College Outdoor Adventure series. He enjoyed canoeing, sailing, kayaking, biking, and cross-country skiing.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan Jeanne Haskins of Houston, Texas; his son, Mark Haskins (DeeDee Grant) of Apple Valley, Minnesota; nephews Jeff Harrison and Chase Harrison; niece Marjorie Harrison; and good friend and companion, Nancy Rehbein.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife of sixty years, Jeanne Elizabeth; his grandson, Chase Havener Haskins; and brothers-in-law Charles Harrison (Marty) and Chase Harrison.

A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11 a.m.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Forest Larger Parish Presbyterian Church of Wabeno in Clifford's remembrance.

Weber-Hill & Packard Funeral Home of Crandon, Wisconsin, is assisting the family with arrangements.