Thank You for 28 Years of Being Dad

John J. Haggerty, age 65, of Big Stone City, SD died November 20th at the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, November 24th at 11:00 a.m. in the St. Charles Catholic Church in Big Stone City. Father Matthew Kowalski will officiate and burial will be in the family private cemetery in Lac Qui Parle County, MN. Visitation will be Thursday at St. Charles Catholic Church beginning at 5 p.m. followed by a scripture and rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church Friday morning, one hour prior to the mass. Casket bearers will be: John, DJ, Keith, Terrin, Tadd, and Tory Haggerty. Music will be presented by Sarah Green, vocalist and Paula and Lonie Rausch

Military honors will be presented by the American Legion, Gertje-Van Lith Post #229, Big Stone City, SD.

John Joseph Haggerty was born September 23, 1941, on the family farm in Inver, County Donegal, Republic of Ireland. He was the eldest son of John “Jack” and Josie (Vrchota) Haggerty, in a family that ended up totaling nine children. He was baptized October 10, 1941.

As a young boy, John went to school in Inver, and Donegal Town. After briefly attending college at the University of Minnesota – Morris, he entered into service with the U.S. Army on January 21, 1964 and was discharged as Specialist E-4 on January 19, 1966 having served in combat with the First Infantry Division during the Vietnam War.

He was united in marriage with Elaine Louise Graham on July 8, 1967 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Browns Valley, MN. Their union gave birth to eight wonderful children.

As a professional, John worked as a mechanic, owning his own service station for a time, as a laborer at the Big Stone City cheese factory, and as a correction officer in Appleton, MN where he retired from, in August of 2003. He was actively involved with the American Legion and each community’s Catholic Church wherever the family lived.

John enjoyed spending quality time with his family. He had a deep passion for deer and pheasant hunting. He also enjoyed fishing, football, baseball, tinkering, playing cards with his family, and his daily bowl of ice cream with a coke.

John went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Monday, November 20, 2006 in Sioux Falls, SD. After a three-and-a-half year battle, he passed away at the age of 65 in the company of his loving family.

John was preceded in death by father John and brother Terry.

John Haggerty is survived by his wife, Elaine of Big Stone City, SD; his mother, Josie Haggerty of Browns Valley, MN; three sons: John Haggerty of Robbinsdale, MN; D.J. and wife Kristin Hagggerty of Milbank, SD; and Keith Haggerty of Brookings, SD; five daughters: Jackie and husband Derek Cassoutt of South Lyon, MI; Gennie and husband Kevin Carruthers of Rosemount, MN; Julie Haggerty of Romeoville, IL; Shelley Haggerty of Big Stone City, SD and Emily Haggerty of Big Stone City, SD; 5 grandchildren; three brothers: Ike and wife Hilda Haggerty of Sisseton, SD; Keith and wife Cindy Haggerty of Browns Valley, MN; and Greg and wife Nancy Haggerty of Dell Rapids, SD; four sisters: Vivian and husband Leland Holman of Sisseton, SD; Dorothy and husband Bob Spethman of Sioux Falls, SD; Cheryl Bahr of Sioux Falls, SD and Judy and husband Ron Gettman of Browns Valley, MN, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Mundwiler Funeral Home of Milbank is in charge of the arrangements for John J. Haggerty. To send an electronic condolence, please visit www.mundwilerfuneralhome.net.