John Richard Haglund Jr.

Dec. 4, 1958 — Sept. 13, 2012

John was born Dec. 4, 1958, in Oconto, Wis., and died Sept. 13, 2012, at Lake Tahoe, Nev., of MS complications, surrounded by family. John joined the U.S. Army Nov. 27, 1978. Much of his Army time was spent in Germany and after a three-year stint he joined his family in San Jose, Calif. He was hired by Frito-Lay, where he met his ex-wife, Korel L. Brooks. They were married in 1985 and a son, Nate, was born on John’s birthday, Dec. 4, 1985. A daughter, Nicole, soon followed while he was working for Langendorf Bakery and teaching industrial electricity and HVAC at a night trade school.

In 1991, John was hired by Puritan Bakery in Carson, Calif. He was promoted to Plant Manager and they successfully computerized the baking system. He was asked to give a paper outlining the process to the American Society of Baking Engineers at their national convention in Chicago in 1999 — a tremendous honor.

John was diagnosed with MS in March of 2001 and by July of that year it had changed to progressive MS. He continued at the bakery until early 2004. MS is a painful, debilitating disease, eventually crippling John so he could not longer walk or get in a car. In 2004 he fell and needed emergency brain surgery. He was not expected to live, but miraculously he did and lived by himself a few years in Placerville, Calif., with his parents’ help.

John spent the last three years in assisted living at the Modesto Guest Home. He was well taken care of and enjoyed many friends at the home. This September, he was determined to join the family celebrating his Mother’s birthday. Though advised not to go, he insisted on joining the family. He made it to the Ridge in Lake Tahoe, Nev., but died just after midnight on Sept. 13.

John is survived by his son, Nathaniel Dane Haglund; his daughter, Nicole Marie Haglund; and his grandchild, Cole Joshua Haglund, a joy of his life. His father, John R. Haglund and his mother, Corinne Tandberg Haglund, deeply mourn his passing, as do his brother, Victor Serem Berg-Haglund, and wife, Linda; his sister, Andrea Marie Tierce with husband, Michael and niece, Rebecca; his aunt, Carol Hisdahl; uncles, Martin Tandberg and Howard Tandberg; and many cousins. John touched many lives. His honesty, generosity and love will be missed by all, but he is in a far, far better place.

In addition io the service held at John’s church, Saron Lutheran in Escalon, Calif., on Sept. 24, a memorial celebrating his life will be held in Placerville, Calif., on Oct 28, at Eskaton Village. Remembrances may be sent to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to find a cure for this disease or to causes of the mourners’ choice.