Francis Robert Haney

Francis Robert Haney, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-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 Road with his four brothers and two sisters. He attended Eagle Valley Country School and St. Mary’s Catholic School before graduating from Fountain City High School in 1958.

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 for 36 years, 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 Merchlewitz. Together they built a life filled with love, family, and laughter, raising four children: Lisa Palkowski, Lynn Cothron, Lori Beckendorf, and Michael Haney.

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”, on Lake Holcombe, WI. 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! The grandkids also enjoyed Grandpa's delicious varieties of homemade soups.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Irene (Wicka); his son, Mike, passed away at age 11; and his brothers Gerald Haney and Robert “Babe” Haney; Brother in law Eugene Thrune; sister in law Gladys Duellman; son in law Jim Palkowski; and niece Laura Mann.

Francis is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Doris; his daughters Lisa, Lynn, and Lori (Tom); his grandchildren Nickolas (Ariel) Palkowski and Kelly Palkowski, Dalton Cothron and Sydney Cothron, Amanda Beckendorf, Mitchell (Morgan) Beckendorf with their children Landon and Liam, and Nicole (fiance Nate Beinborn) Beckendorf; his siblings Ronald (Charlotte) Haney, Les (Lorraine) Haney, Bonnie Thrune, Janice Voss; Sister in laws, Diane Haney and Mary Haney 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.

Francis’ commitment to his community, family and friends will be celebrated on Monday, September 29, 2025 at the Cochrane VFW (100 Michaels St., Cochrane). A Memorial celebration will be held from 11:00am - 2:00pm with a time of remembrance and sharing of stories at 11:30 am. A small luncheon will be served starting at Noon.