James Martin Haakensen, age 61, of New Richland, MN, died Saturday, December 26, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN. Memorial services will be private with family Friday, January 8, 2021 at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells, MN, with Pastor Chris Leistra officiating. Public visitation will be Thursday, January 7, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells.  Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Wells, MN. Facemasks and social distancing will be practiced. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is entrusted with arrangements. Please see brussheitner.com to leave online condolences.

     Jim was born January 10, 1959, the son of Harvey and Ellen (Klingbeil) Haakensen in Wells, MN. Jim graduated from Freeborn High School in 1977. He was united in marriage to Marsha Fredrickson July 6, 1983 in Wells, MN.  He became a diesel mechanic and worked for S&H Diesel in Wells for 20 years and most recently for Dulas Diesel. He enjoyed fishing, riding his Harley, gardening, camping, and going on family vacations. He enjoyed doing things with his family and loved spending time with his grandkids. He enjoyed watching his birds. He had at least a dozen feeders in his yard.

     Jim is survived by his wife: Marsha Haakensen of New Richland, MN; daughter: Kim (Nate) Stern of Wells; son: Steven (Jen) Haakensen of Minnesota Lake, MN; grandchildren Cayden, Harper, and Sawyer Stern of Wells; and grandpuppies Jack and Hank in Minnesota Lake.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey & Ellen and in-laws, Wayne & Florence Fredrickson.