Saukville resident James F. Haebig was born to Eternal Life on Monday December 29, 2025 at the age of 85. Jim was born in Marshfield, WI on April 5, 1940, the son of Francis and Katherine (nee Weber) Haebig. His parents moved the family to Kenosha when Jim was 4 years old. There his parents raised him along with his 6 sisters. He attended high school at St. Francis Minor Seminary and college at St. Francis Major Seminary, both in St. Francis, WI. He was ordained a priest of the Milwaukee Diocese on May 28,1966. He served as a parish priest at St. Casimir Parish in Kenosha, St. Monica Parish in Whitefish Bay and St. Ceclia Parish in Thiensville. After much prayer and discernment Jim left the priesthood in early 1980.

He married Barbara (nee Buchel) Gauger on October 26, 1980. Along with Barbara's 3 children they moved to Cedarburg. Jim was a loving and kind stepfather, and the children meant the world to him. Jim loved his children and their spouses and the time they spent together. His greatest pleasure was seeing his 4 granddaughters grow up and become such wonderful young ladies. He was truly proud of them and their accomplishments.

Jim pursued other careers including Real Estate Development, Commercial Business Loan Officer, small business owner, B&B owner, and became the co-owner of a Christmas gift shop, still operating in the Cedarburg, with his wife and good friends Randy Hilgers and David Bartsch. Jim eventually returned to his roots when he accepted an offer to become the Director of Christian Formation at St. Joseph Parish in Grafton. To better serve his church community, Jim earned a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Studies (MAPS), graduating with honors. He continued to work for St. Joseph Parish until his retirement. Jim was an avid reader often reading 2-3 books at a time. He also enjoyed biking, skiing, hiking, golf and card games. He especially enjoyed his Sheepshead group.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years Barbara; children Jeff (Amy) Gauger, Julie (Kelly) Brosig and Jamie (Nelcy) Gauger; granddaughters Katelyn and Emily Gauger, and Madison (fiancé RJ Eckert) and Brooke (friend Mikey Gregorich) Brosig; sisters Anne (Vern) Ward, Rita (the late Bob) Morrissey, Loretta (the late Joe) Fasulo and Louise Haebig; many nieces and nephews along with other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Francis and Katherine (nee Weber) and sisters Dorothy (the late Jim) Scheel and Fran (Gary) Gregory.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM on Saturday January 10, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Parish, 1619 Washington St. in Grafton, WI. The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday at the Church from 9:30 - 10:45 AM and at a reception to be held following the Mass.

The family would like to thank all who were so kind and supportive while Jim walked the terrible road of Dementia. Jim spent his final days at Lincolon Village in Port Washington with Barbara by his side as he gently went home. Special thanks to the staffs of Lincoln Village who understood and cared for Jim and Brighton Hospice for their gentle care in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials in Jim's name to the Alzheimer's Association are appreciated. Online condolences may be forwarded to the family at Eernisse Funeral Home . The Eernisse Funeral Home-Michael Schramka Associate of Cedarburg, is assisting the family.