John Francis Haupt

John Haupt passed away peacefully Thursday, June 22, 2023, on his beloved property overlooking the Coldwater River, with his family by his side. He was 80. Born at home on October 20, 1942, in Isabella County's Deerfield Township, John was the son of Francis J. and Fleurette P. (Claude) Haupt and older brother to Sharon. While in elementary school, he began milking cows and farming with his father, forming a passion that he would continue his entire life. He graduated from Beal City High School in 1960 and married Esther Huber on October 19, 1963, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mt. Pleasant. Their marriage was blessed with five children: Deb, Judy, Vicki, Joe, and Tony. In 1965 John and Esther purchased their current house, farm, and 168 acres. Over the years the Haupt Farm would grow to 481 acres with an additional 18 acres of river property which became the pinnacle for family gatherings. Add to that, another 500 acres of rented farmland and John had an abundance of land to grow hay, wheat, corn, oats, soybeans, and sweet corn. In 1981 John purchased the dairy herd of 33 cows from his dad and built a state-of-the-art milking parlor and silo. That herd eventually grew to 126, plus numerous calves and heifers. Maybe his crowning achievement in farming was the Haupt Sweet Corn in which all of John's family would participate. For 30 years buyers would anticipate the opening of the corn stand. With so much farmland and a growing family, it's hard to believe John had time for anything else in life. But his love for his community led him to become a volunteer firefighter for over 20 years. He began with the Fremont-Deerfield Township Fire Department and after Deerfield started their own department, John became fire chief of Fremont. Once he transferred to Deerfield, he again served as fire chief and was instrumental in acquiring not only a state-of-the-art fire engine, but many important pieces of fire equipment during his tenure. He finally hung up his #80 helmet and, in 2003, was appointed Isabella County Commissioner. John served a total of 13 years and, during that time, served on the Michigan Works Committee. He drove charter bus tours for Hartzler for 17 years and a school bus for Beal City Public Schools for 14 years. With a desire to be involved, John belonged to numerous organizations during his life including the Knights of Columbus, Michigan Milk Producers Association, Farm Bureau, Production Credit, Eagles Club, Moose Club, and 911 Board. For recreation John belonged to a bowling league at Chippewa Lanes, a Weidman softball league, and a golf league at the Pines at Lake Isabella. These sporting events offered John a chance to spend time with his many lifelong friends. John was a lifelong member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Beal City forming lasting relationships with its parish priests. For over 47 years, John served as the cemetery sexton for St. Joseph Cemetery, handing the duties over to his grandson, Brandon, in 2014. On September 16, 2021, John reluctantly auctioned all his farm machinery thus ending a remarkable farming career that he worked so hard to maintain and of which he was able to receive immeasurable enjoyment. John may have seemed gruff on the exterior, but inside he was nothing short of a teddy bear. He would do just about anything to help someone in need. John was a devoted son, a beloved brother, and loving husband. His legacy will live on in the lives of his adoring children and grandchildren who will miss him dearly. John is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Esther; children, Deb (Scott) McDonald, Judy (Jim) Flaugher, Vicki (Ben) Steele, Joe (Crissy) Haupt, and Tony Haupt (Brinn Zaika), all of Beal City; 16 grandchildren, Jason (Kelli), Kyle, and Jodi, Brandon (Darcey), April (Jake), and Ashley (Abe), Alissa (Ben), Shelby, Amanda, Owen, and Luke, and Adriah, Kail, Tye, and Brielle; 13 great grandchildren, Huntor, Gavyn, Kolton, Remi, and Xander, Madison, Chloe, Bentley, Audrey, Chelsea, Zach, Blake, and Trevor; sister, Sharon Horgan; in-laws, Carl Eisenberger of Shepherd, Jim (Nonie) Huber of Shepherd, Bob (Gail) Huber of Shepherd, Patty (John) McHugh of Dade City, FL, Dorothy Huber of Shepherd and Penny (Perry) Danielski of Blanchard; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Flo Haupt; parents in-law, Don and Marie Huber, and in-laws, Patrick Horgan, Donna and Larry Bullard, Ed Huber, Jerry Huber, Ruth and Ken Abbott, Ken Huber, and Rita Eisenberger. A Funeral Mass for John will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, June 26, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church with his cousin, Father Bede Louzon as celebrant and Father Tom Held as concelebrant. The family will receive friends in the gathering room of the church on Sunday from 3-7:30 p.m. The Vigil Service will begin at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues Monday one hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Joseph Cemetery. Envelopes will be available at the church or at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home.  To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.