Francis Joseph Haugh, age 90, of Hillsboro, WI, passed away August 31, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.
Francis was born to Paul and Agnes (Kosa) Haugh on January 28, 1936. He began his love for life and learning at Champion Valley Grade School, then Hillsboro High School, Vernon County Teachers College, and with night classes and summer sessions he earned a degree in Education from UW-Whitewater. He taught for 20 years in Stoughton WI, specializing in junior high school age Special Education and was honored with the Teacher of the Year Award.
He married Cecile Kouba at St John’s Catholic Church in May of 1958, celebrating 68 years of marriage this year.
They raised two daughters, Mari Lynn and Jodene. During their growing years they enjoyed many camping trips and special events together.
Francis had several careers – farmer, teacher, salesman, bus driver, truck driver, and chef to name a few. He loved nature and the joy of seeing nature work miracles.
Francis and Cecile owned and operated Fran-Ceil Orchard which produced 31 varieties of apples and autumn vegetables in their retirement, eventually closing it due to Francis’ failing health.
While enjoying his many hobbies, he gathered life-time friends along the way. Francis enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, restoring tractors, and helping neighbors. During the ice storm of 1976, he shared his skills and resources (including a generator) to keep the surrounding neighbors warm and safe, and was officially awarded “Francis Haugh Day” by the governor of Wisconsin for these efforts.
Francis and Cecile were always active in their local church and community. They loved Polka music and dancing, even taking the RV to polka festivals. He taught himself how to play the concertina, jamming with friends and especially enjoyed playing for nursing home residents. They loved to travel and went on several cruises, coach excursions, and visited their ancestor’s homeland–the Czech Republic. For many years they were very involved with Hillsboro’s Cesky Den promotion, programming, and youth events.
He is survived by his loving wife, Cecile; daughters, Mari Lynn Haugh of Madison and Jodene Nelson of Hillsboro; grandsons, Bo and Max (Miranda Jirousek) Nelson; and great grandchildren Tristan, Charlee, and Warren; sisters-in-law, Sister Christine Kouba and Barbara Beres; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Arlie and Leslie (Carmen) Haugh; in-laws, Ludwig and Christine Kouba, Father John Kouba, Lawrence (Lois) Kouba, Marie Graiziger (Ray Ronowski, James Graiziger), Francis Kouba, and Clarence Beres.
Visitation will be at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro, on Monday, September 7, from 4-7pm, with an informal service at 7. A short visitation will be held at 10am before the Mass of Christian Burial at 11am on Tuesday, September 8, at Holy Family Catholic Church in LaValle, with Father Bernard Rott officiating. Burial will follow in the Czech National Cemetery in Yuba (approximately 2pm). For online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com.
The family wishes to thank Father Rott, Aveanna Home Health, SSM Health, and SSM Hospice for their expert and loving care. To honor Francis’ legacy of caring and generosity, memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to: St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.
Picha Funeral Home
