Larry Haight

SWISHER- Larry Wayne Haight, 73, of Swisher, formerly of Winfield, died peacefully on April 11th, 2025, at his home.

Larry was born on April 9, 1952, to Keith and Norma (Maxwell) Haight. His brother Lon rounded out their small but mighty crew. He grew up in Winfield, Iowa, where he had a wonderful childhood filled with farm life, Boy Scouts, and athletics. He learned early on the value of hard work, helping on the farm, and getting into just enough mischief to keep things interesting.

A good ol’ Iowa farm boy, he somehow found his way to Northeast Missouri State (now Truman State University) and graduated with a Business Administration degree. This is where he met our mom. For him, it was love at first sight. He often reminisced about hearing her heels clicking down the hallway, her short skirt, and that long brown hair. Mom’s friends lovingly dubbed him "Starry Larry"—which, let’s be honest, was probably a step up from the high school nickname his buddies gave him, "Sugar Lips." (We’re not asking questions, Dad, but we all know you were a looker.)

Mom and Dad were married on August 11, 1973. They spent several more years in Kirksville, Missouri, enjoying weekends in Leonard, Missouri, where our mom grew up. After Mandy and Seth were born, they moved back to Winfield and had one more baby, Clint. Dad farmed with his brother and began working as an electrician’s apprentice before starting his own business, Haight’s Electric, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2020.

In addition to owning his own business, Dad was highly involved in so many things: Volunteer Firefighter, Little League Coach, St. Alphonsus Catholic Church (Building & Grounds Committee, Old Threshers, Fall Auction), Twin Lakes Golf Course Board and Sunrise Terrace Board, and more recently, a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Mt. Vernon, to name a few.

While Winfield was always a beloved place where he and mom raised us kids, Clint built them their dream home in Swisher, Iowa, in 2020—just two doors down from his own family home, 25 minutes from Mandy in Mt. Vernon, and an hour closer to Seth in Minneapolis. It was the perfect spot for them, with a spectacular view and plenty of space for Dad to do what he loved. He kept the deer well-fed and could often be found mowing the Orchard property, binoculars in hand, keeping tabs on his four-legged visitors.

Dad was one of the great ones. He was generous, fiercely loving, and always up for a good laugh—especially if the joke was slightly inappropriate. His cousin recently described his laugh as something that started all the way down in his toes, and his brother noted that he ‘never met a stranger.’ Both couldn’t be more true. His laugh was infectious, and he was the friendliest person you’d ever meet. He was young at heart, hardworking, and always the first to show up when we needed help—whether it was moving, fixing something around the house, or just making sure we never left home without a full tank of gas.

His greatest joy was his family, and nothing made him happier than watching his grandkids shine in whatever they did. And he adored our mom—he never missed a chance to remind her (and us) that she was "the prettiest one there" wherever they went. He also loved the weekends spent at our cabin in Oakville. We don’t think he’d say he had a single regret, except for maybe selling that ’69 Chevelle.

Even as cancer slowly took its toll, he stayed true to himself—loyal, helpful, and full of love for the people who meant the most to him. Dad, we know you weren’t ready to leave us, but we also know exactly where you are. You’re already getting settled, taking in the view from heaven, where the bucks are big, the fish are biting, and the pheasants line the fence rows. You’ve got the best seat in the house to cheer us on. We miss you already, Dad. We promise to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus—until we see you again.

Those grateful for sharing in Larry’s life include his wife, Susan (Peoples) Haight; his children, Amanda (John) Rhomberg, Seth (Annie) Haight, and Clint (Katie) Haight; and his eleven grandkids: Annie, Nelson, Sara, Jackson, Joey and Tommy Rhomberg; James, Ryder and Sam Haight; and Maxwell and Levi Haight. He also leaves behind his brother, Lon (Linda) Haight, along with many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and a whole lot of people who were blessed to have known him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Rev Ross Epping and Rev Nick Adam will concelebrate the mass. Visitation will be held Monday, April 14, 2025, from 3:00 – 7:00 pm at the Olson-Powell Chapel and Crematory in Mount Pleasant, where a rosary will be recited at 3:30 pm and the family will greet friends from 4:00 – 7:00pm. A general memorial fund has been established.

A private family burial will take place at a later date at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Leonard, Missouri. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Larry and his family.