John Frederick Haney

It is with profound sadness that our family announces that our father, John Frederick Haney, age 94, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 27, 2026, in Stillwater, Minnesota. John was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Shirley Haney (Parker), and his son, David Haney, age 69.

John is survived by his daughters, Kate Wittenberg and Mary Bidon; his son, Paul Haney (Mona); his grandchildren Grace (Barry), Alexandra (Aaron), Abigail, Auston (Samantha), Logan, Jon Sanz (Amanda), Matt (Laci), and Erin (Robert); and his great-grandchildren June, Boden, Lottie, Greyson, Carson, Owen, Easton, Alison, and Andrew.

John was born to John F. Haney Sr. and Mary Haney and raised on the west side of St. Paul. He attended St. Matthew’s grade school and spent two years at Divine Heart Seminary in Indiana. He graduated with honors at age 17 from Humboldt High School in 1950 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, where he was trained and stationed as a radio and radar man aboard the USS Ashland.

Upon discharge from the Navy, John returned to work at First National Bank of St. Paul, where he had previously worked washing cars at the bank garage. On his first day back, John met his future wife, Shirley, who was also working at the bank. They married in June 1954, started a family, and moved to the east side of St. Paul. John and Shirley raised four children, Kate, Dave, Paul and Mary in a loving and supportive home.

John was an ambitious man who worked his way up at the bank, to eventually becoming an Assistant Vice President and later Branch Manager at First Bank Battle Creek.

After a 30-year career at First Bank, John and Shirley moved to Ocala, Florida. They eventually returned to Minnesota to be near their family and church. John began a second career as a representative and fundraiser for the Twin Cities United Way. John became deeply involved at North Heights Lutheran Church, where he served on the Council of Elders and as Congregation President. He was instrumental in the vision and construction of the North Heights Lutheran Church facility in Arden Hills. He spearheaded 11 mission and church-building trips to Russia and traveled extensively to the Holy Land, where he was baptized in the Jordan River.

John became a private pilot in 1957 and enjoyed flying for most of his adult life. His hobbies included gardening, golf, and tennis.

Celebration of Life to be held on Friday, October 23, 2026 at North Heights Lutheran Church 2701 N. Rice St., Roseville, MN. Visitation: 10:00 AM • Service: 11:00 AM • Luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.