Richard A. Halama

Richard Allen Halama, 71, of Independence, died Wednesday evening, June 29, 2022, at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse.

Richard was born in Whitehall, June 20, 1951, to Aloysie and Verna (Kulig) Halama. He grew up on the family farm north of Elk Creek. Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, but served in Germany from 1971 to 1973. He married Agnes Sluga, May 9, 1981. They made their home in a mobile home on the farm, working together with his brother, Ronald, as partners. Eventually, they purchased a farm of their own on the south edge of Elk Creek, milked cows and kept working with his brother and sharing farm equipment. As a farmer, Richard most enjoyed driving tractor and then snowmobiling, fishing, pitching horseshoes, playing cards and watching sports. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and American Legion Post #186.

Richard is survived by a son, Alan (Rose) Halama of Independence WI/Mankato MN; daughter, Sharon (Mike) Stefaniak; grandson, Weston, all of Seymour TN; and Agnes Halama, former wife. He is also survived by sisters: Elizabeth (Betty Lou) Hedrington of Chippewa Falls, Joanne (David) Murphy of Apple Valley, MN; brother, Ronald (Marita) Halama of Independence, WI; a brother-in-law, Gerald Sygulla of Forest Lake, MN; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and some aunts and uncles.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Aloysie and Verna Halama; grandparents: Bert and Helen Halama and William and Elizabeth Kulig; a sister, Marjorie Sygulla; brother-in-law, Roger A. Hedrington; and several aunts and uncles.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 10:30 a.m., at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Independence. Father George Thayilkuzhithottu officiated. Family and friends were welcomed for visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Burial with military honors conducted by Sura-Wiersgalla Post #186 was in the church cemetery.

To express condolences to his family online, please visit www.edisonfh.com.