James Francis Havlovic

James Francis Havlovic, age 92, of Stacyville, Iowa, passed away peacefully with loving family by his side on Thursday, August 27, 2026.

Born June 19, 1934, to Joseph and Edith (Rerucha) Havlovic, James graduated from high school in Brainard, NE (Class of 1953). After serving in the U.S. Army, he moved to the Stacyville area to live with his aunt and uncle, George and Rose Kriz, and pursue work. He met Elaine (Brumm) when they were both cast members of “The Black Derby” community theater performance in Stacyville. They married on August 17, 1963, at Visitation Catholic Church. Together they enjoyed 61 years of marriage and happiness. A caring husband and father to five children, James partnered with Elaine on their farm near Stacyville, raising corn, soybeans, and hogs. He was recognized as a Master Pork Producer in 1983 and was known for his well-maintained farm equipment and clean soybean fields.

Faithfully devoted to Elaine, his family, and his church, James also served his community as a member of several local organizations and boards, including: Hawes Court residential community, Stacyville Community Nursing Home, Stacyville Co-op Elevator, Stacyville Savings Bank, Visitation Catholic Church and Visitation Catholic School. In his spare time, James enjoyed visits with and drives to see family and friends, and was committed to helping neighbors, community members, and local businesses. He will be remembered for his integrity, kindness and selfless nature, and humility.

James is survived by his five children: Joan (Patrick) Bradley of Dubuque, IA, Richard Havlovic (Jane Lobdell) of Stacyville, IA, William (Beth) Havlovic of Waverly, IA, Mark (Karen) Havlovic of St. Ansgar, IA, and Paul (Shelly) Havlovic of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren: Ben (Kelsey), Adam (Miranda), Alex, Cole, Connor, Gabrielle, Kevin, Chelsea, and Brooke; great-grandchild Emma; siblings: Sr. Ernestine Havlovic SSND, Marie (Larry) Mielak, (Orletha) Havlovic, Leonard (JoAnn) Havlovic, Catherine (Chuck) Lavicky, Bernard (Maureen) Havlovic, Martin (Maria) Havlovic, Edwin Havlovic (Leo Corredor), George (Mary) Havlovic; brothers/sisters-in-law: Ken (Judy) Brumm, Vern Brumm, Audrey (Roy) Stefan, and Jean Brumm; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He joins in heaven, his wife, Elaine; his parents; and brothers: Br. Edward Havlovic SDS, Ernest Havlovic, Joseph (Emily) Havlovic, Jr., Raymond Havlovic, Francis Havlovic, and Jerome Havlovic.

A visitation service will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, IA, with a rosary at 3:30 p.m. The funeral service will take place on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., also at the church. Burial will be at the Visitation Catholic Cemetery, with lunch following.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stacyville Community Nursing Home, St. Ansgar First Responders, or Visitation Catholic Church.

Hoff Celebrations - Champion Chapel of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements.