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James Haluska Obituary
Reunited with his beloved wife, Ginny, the love of his life, on September 20, 2012, at the age of 79 years. Jim took the day off from golf to recharge his batteries for the upcoming Don Bosco golf outing. Unfortunately, his big heart did not cooperate and he died unexpectedly at home from a heart attack. Loving father of Marybeth (Gene) Gardner, Jan (Joe) Boberschmidt, Jim Haluska Jr. (Cheryl), Julie (Tim) Hall, David (Wendy). Proud grandfather of 16 grandchildren; Dan, Matt and Billy Gardner; Joey, Molly, Sarah and Brian Boberschmidt; Jimmy, Kariann and Emily Haluska; Karly, Bobby, Megan and Abby Hall; Sam and Hannah Haluska. Son of the late Rudy and Olga Haluska and son-in-law of the late Al and Evelyn Haas. Survived by brothers Rudy "Bugs" (Carol) and Eugene "Spider", sister-in-law Jeanne Haas and brother-in-law Chuck Haas (Janet). Survived by other relatives and friends. Beloved friends of Morningstar golfers and his tee-it-up buddies, Tom and Russ. Recent inductee into the 2012 UW-Wisconsin's Athletic Hall of Fame and Inductee into the Wisconsin Football Coaches Hall of Fame. Long-time coach and teacher at Don Bosco High School and Thomas More High School. Assistant coach and teacher at Pius XI High School and coach at Waukesha Catholic Memorial High School. His coaching legacy will be remembered by the "Quick Kick" on second down, "Form Tackling", "The Sleeper Play" and the "Double Pass." Jim will never be forgotten for his creative phy-ed classes, such as "Polish Army", "Bull in the Ring", "Tarzan Relays", "Speedball", "Mush-Ball" and "Dive and Roll". He taught his kids and grandkids how to play "I'll Draw the Frying Pan", "Captain May I", "Round-up", "War" and "7-up". Jim grew up in Racine, playing games such as "Baby in the Hole" and "Walking the Wall at Stephen Bull School".
Visitation will be Monday, September 24, at St. Matthias Church (9306 W. Beloit Road) from 2 to 5:45 with a Catholic Mass at 6 p.m. Private entombment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to your choice of Racine St. Catherine's High School, St. Thomas More High School, Waukesha Catholic Memorial High School or Pius XI High School.
Max A. Sass & Sons
Greenridge Directors
414-282-4050
www.maxsass.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Haluska
Andy Landgraf
October 4, 2012
Sorry for your loss. Thanks Coach Halu for some great memories. It must have been a great day when he was inducted into the UW Athletics Hall of Fame. I'll make sure to pay a visit to the HOF wall at the next Badger game. - Andy CMH class 2002
Lenny Pepp
September 27, 2012
To the entire Haluska family .I am sorry for your loss of a GREAT MAN but at least we know he is in a better place now. I am so glad that I had the priveledge of playing for him.He had am impact on my life and I spoke him often to family and friends . To Mary Beth, Jan , Jim .Julie and David I was always happy that I grew up in that Blessed Sacrement neighborhood that your Dad was also a part of . He will be missed and I sure hope to meet up with him again someday . Lenny and Chris Pepp TM 1975
Chris Fifarek
September 26, 2012
I will never forget this one time Mr. Haluska was supervising room 401 at Pius XI. He walked into the room, told everyone to do some work, sat at the desk and pulled out a newspaper. As he paged through the paper he finally picked it up and held it in front of his face; to our enjoyment he had two large eye holes cut out. When we all started laughing he told us to all calm down and keep quiet. The man had a great sense of humor and will be greatly missed.
September 26, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Phil and Cherie Hahn
September 25, 2012
Dear Haluska Family:
We are so sorry for your loss - you are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Wroblewski's
Michael Marciniak
September 25, 2012
Jim and entire Halu family,
I'm very sorry for your loss. Your Dad is the epitome of my great memories of TMHS back in the 70's. He had a huge role in influencing what turned into quite a few decent men. God bless him and you!
-Mars
September 25, 2012
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all..may Jim rest in eternal peace!
Steve,Kim,Birttney,Sammi Jo, and Kylie Hodgson
Scott Krueger
September 25, 2012
I never met your father, Jim, but knowing you he must of been a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Scott and Lisa Krueger
Scott and Lisa Krueger
David Rex
September 25, 2012
Had the honor of plating football with him at the University of Wisconsin. He learned from our coach Ivy Williamson.
God Bless,
Debbie Klement-Thomas
September 24, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the Haluska family. Mr. Haluska was best Dad in the neighborhood. He was engaged with the neighborhood kids. I wasn't aware of all his professional accomplishments until I was an adult because he put family and friends first.
Michael McGinley Family
September 24, 2012
Haluska Family,
So sorry for youthe loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Dale Raab
September 24, 2012
Sorry for your loss. Jan and I were lifeguards together and your dad and mom were always welcoming to our visiting, so long as we behaved. Your dad gave us that "look", and we did! My sincere condolences to the family.
Tom Racinowski DB '66
September 24, 2012
While I had no part in the on-field success of that football championship era at DB, as an equipment manager I stood next to coach every day and got to see what he did and how he did it from the "ground floor". I didn't realize what a privilege that was then, but I do now.
September 24, 2012
To the entire Haluska family,
We would like to send our condolences from the Kaiser Family, Dick, Laverne, Annie& Lindsey. I know everyone views coach as a legend in the athletic world, and rightfully so. I did get to see the big hearted man he was when he gave Annie a lot encouragement while she was at Pius. I will never forget that, and also the motivation he gave me as young guy because everyone's goal was to play "Huluska" and beat him. if you won a game against his teams you accomplished a lot. Our best to your family.
The Kaiser Family.
greg ochalek
September 24, 2012
Mr. Haluska taught young men the way Catholic men's education should be taught...which is regrettably no more. Gaudeamus Igitur....Gaudeamus Igitur.
Ann (Dupies) Waszak
September 24, 2012
Jim & Family,
I didn't know your dad, but knowing you in High School & during the Whitewater years, it's obvious to see how much of a great impact your Dad had on you and so many other people! Cherish those memories, you're in my prayers.
Craig Sankey
September 24, 2012
Jim, Cheryl and family,
Thoughts and prayers with you and your whole family.
Linda & Rick Froehlich
September 24, 2012
Jim,Cheryl and family,
We were sorry to hear of your loss. We know losing parents/grandparents is tough, so try to remember all the good times and cherish the great memories. Those you will have forever.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Rick and Linda Froehlich and family
Kate and Tom Drohner
September 24, 2012
Rest in peace, Mr. Haluska. The "big heart" must run in the Haluska family. Thinking of you, Jim, Cheryl, and the entire Haluska family.
Ryan Schulfer
September 24, 2012
Peace and blessings upon you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kay Voss
September 24, 2012
Peace to your family. I knew Jim as a great quarterback for the University of Wisconsin in the 50s. My husband, Don, also played on that team. They are buddies again in Heaven.
John Korth
September 24, 2012
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. We were very sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steve Maliborski
September 24, 2012
My condolences to the Haluska family. While I never played football for Coach Haluska, he was my social studies teacher and phy ed instructor. When my dad passed away during my sophomore year, Coach Haluska came to the visitation. That act of kindness to a kid who was one of hundreds he interacted with has stuck with me to this day. I am sorry that due to a prior commitment, I am unable to return the favor to you. When I look back at my days at Thomas More, I am amazed at how many memories involve Coach in some way. I can honestly say he was one of the men who helped shape me into who I am today. Rest in peace, Coach.
September 24, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Haluska family during this most difficult time. The weather is always nice in heaven, so Jim must be enjoying a game of golf or is busy teaching everyone there how to play all those wonderful games!
Respectfully,
Dan Schlutter, V. of Plover President
Dan Mahoney, Plover Administrator
Chris & Liane Shulfer
September 24, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Haluska family.
Randy Boudouris
September 24, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jane Schutte
September 24, 2012
Dave & Wendy,
I am so sorry about the loss of your Dad. You're in my thoughts & prayers during this difficult time - Jane Schutte
Tom Drohner
September 24, 2012
To the entire Haluska Family, Our thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family.
Craig F. Giese & Family
September 24, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the surviving family members. RIP Mr. Haluska. Sincerely,
Jim Jr & Jim III Frutchey
September 24, 2012
"WELL PLAYED," COACH!
Robert & Karen Sirrell
September 23, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Nancy Sadowski
September 23, 2012
To Marybeth, Jan, Jimmy, Julie and David, sincere condolences. All the memories from Blessed Sacrament, Don Bosco,Thomas More and your house on Cleveland. So many fun times with coach Halu and your family!! He will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Nancy(Miller)Sadowski and Jim.
Frank LaVora
September 23, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Haluska family during this most difficult time. I had the opportunity to be coached by Mr. Haluska during 1982-1983 and wish I had the opportunity to tell him that he made us players both "men" on and off the football field. Rest in Peace Coach.
Jim Wisniewski
September 23, 2012
Deepest condolences to the entire family. Thanks for some GREAT high school memories Coach. "Ad astra per aspera!"
KURT KOZUB
September 23, 2012
REST IN PEACE COACH HALUSKA
A Don
September 23, 2012
Coach, you said there were "alot of good looking rich girls at St Norbert". I married one. However, you got the "rich" part wrong. Thank you for everything.
C. Roy Jones, Messmer H.S. 66'
September 22, 2012
My condolence to the Haluska family. Coach Haluska always had a word of encouragement for everyone regardless of the school. He truly deserved to be called "Coach".
September 22, 2012
To the Family,
My father, John Snieg, played for your dad at Don Bosco many years ago. He always spoke very highly of him and many of the lessons he learned on the football field from you dad he passed on to his children. My deepest sympathies at the passing of a man who made an impact on my father and future generations.
Michelle (Snieg) Lastovich
Scott and Joan Gralla
September 22, 2012
Our most deepest sympathies to the Haluska family.
Patrick Puffer
September 22, 2012
MaryBeth I am so sorry for your loss. Your father touched many lives in his coaching , teaching and P.E. classes.
Pat Puffer Class of 74
Dwaine & Judy Rayburn
September 22, 2012
I did not know Dave's Father. I just know that he was as good a person. All our love and sympathy to the Haluska Family. God Bless all of You.
Michael Nowakowski
September 22, 2012
He was always "Coach", in gym class, at the football games, baseball games and even in his day umpiring in the County Leagues. He taught hard work could be fun, how to better oneself and to accept success and failures, because they were all part of life. I will never forget him. Mike Nowakowski DB '69
Mehren Janet
September 22, 2012
I believe I found myself behind the wheel for the first time with Mr. Haluska in summer school when I was a student at West Allis Central High circa 1965. A nice, patient man!
September 22, 2012
Coach H...I never played for you, however, I always respected your teams...I enjoyed our basketball games on Saturdays at TM...Iwish you well on your journey..To Jim Jr., and the rest of the Huluska family, our deepest condolances....Dick and Jody (Henderson Sykes
Tom Reuteman
September 22, 2012
Our deepest sympathies. Coach Halu was a great coach and a great man who taught me how to lose. Tom Reuteman CMHS '83
Iris Bramel
September 22, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Boberschmidt family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless
DICK DICK
September 22, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I remember Jim Haluska fondly when I taught at Don Bosco High School. He was a great individual and cared about the kids and the Marianists PRIESTS AND BROTHERS>
Mike Wosick
September 21, 2012
Good bye Coach!
You will be missed by all of those lives you touched, especially the boys you help turn into men.
I'm glad we got to spend some time together at the TM Golf outing in August.
Mike Wosick
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