James E Haupt

James E. Haupt, age 91 from Hibbing, died peacefully surrounded by family on March 21, 2024.  Jim was born on March 30,1932 in Blue Earth MN to Emanuel and Alice (Williams) Haupt.  The third of 5 children, he was the 2nd boy and according to his sisters – he was the “tinty”. . . . his mom’s favorite.  He always laughed and said what’s wrong with that?  He enjoyed teasing those sisters.  The family moved around a bit during Jim’s younger years – in Minnesota and South Dakota.  But by 10th grade, they made it to Hibbing, and they stayed, so Jim graduated in 1950.  He also met the love of his life at Hibbing High – Gerry (Geraldine E.) Maki.  Jim and Gerry were married in 1953 and had 3 children and 52 wonderful years of marriage before Gerry passed away in 2005.

Jim worked in the local mines his entire career beginning at Hanna Mining Company and retiring from National Steel.  He began as a laborer but retired after 40 years as a diesel mechanic.  Along the way he made many friends who called him “Red” after those strawberry streaks in his hair.  While he was working and after he retired, he always had a story that began “So there was this guy at work . . . “.  Most of the time that story included a practical joke or two.  Jim was also a lifetime member of the Hibbing Elks Club.

After Jim retired, he and Gerry began spending winters in Mission TX where they made more friends and learned to enjoy Mexican food and line dancing.  Now you might think it was only Gerry who embraced the line dancing – she even taught a class.  But she needed Jim to flip the switch on her AV equipment after helping her set it up for the class – so she’d stand at the front of the room and say, “OK Jim . . . turn me on!”  with a mischievous smile.  He enjoyed line dancing too (wink)!

Jim was preceded in death by the love of his life and High School sweetheart, Gerry; his parents, Emanuel and Alice Haupt; his sisters, Irene Niemi Hansley and Shirley Clark and brother Kenneth Haupt; and son-in-law, Robert (Bob) Shutes.

He is survived by his sister Barbara Radovich, sister-in-law, Josette Maki; 3 loving children, Shelley Shutes, Brenda Ramsey (Bud) and Brian Haupt (Sandy), Grandchildren Chad Haupt (Rachel), Randy Haupt (Krystle), Jenna Anderson (Adam Reuter), Kari Todd (Donny), Jeff Gotz, and Suzie Laidly (Chance).  He was also the proud “Big Papa” to 9 Great-Grandchildren:  Elizabeth, Vincent and Samuel Haupt; Sebastian and Piper Haupt; Desmond, Lucy and Sophia Todd and Anna Maria Goers-Gotz.

He will be missed as well by his most recent 4-legged companions, Tia Marie and Bella (Kitty Kitty).

A private celebration for family and friends will be held in the next few months.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the management and staff at Hillcrest of Nashwauk, Heritage Manor in Chisholm and the staff at Hibbing Hospital for the care Jim received over the last 5 years.

Family services are provided by Anderson-Daniels, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Hibbing.  To express condolences online please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.