Harry Hayford

Harry Eugene Hayford Jr., age 87, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026. Born on August 1, 1939, in Sugar Camp, Wisconsin, Harry was the son of the late Harry Eugene Hayford Sr. and Adeline (Seidel) Hayford. He grew up with a strong sense of duty and dedication, proudly serving his country in the U.S. Navy. Following his military service, Harry gained valuable experience working in a variety of roles before ultimately dedicating many years of hard work to the Wisconsin Office of Highway Safety, from which he later retired.

Harry lived his life with a generous heart and a deep commitment to his community. He was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church, where he regularly volunteered his time as a collections usher. Possessing a passion for local history, he also loved volunteering at the Logging Museum in Rhinelander. Harry believed in giving back and quietly made a lasting impact on the world by contributing generously to various charities throughout his life.

Outside of his civic and community work, he shared a special, unforgettable bond with his beloved dog, Lady. For years, Harry and Lady were an inseparable pair and a familiar, comforting presence in town. The two were a constant fixture on their daily walks around Rhinelander, where neighbors and community members came to know both of them fondly by name. Lady passed before him, and her absence left a quiet space in his daily routines.

He is survived by his three children: Steven Hayford, Stacie Hayford, and Stefanie Hayford. He was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren: Steven Hayford Jr., Sarah Hayford, Austin Hayford, Ashli Hayford, Dillion Salgado, Marcos Salgado, and Alejandro Castillejos. He was also blessed with twelve great-grandchildren: Ryder, Grayson, Rosalie, Oliver, Mason, Jordynn, Camden, Easton, Sebastian, Alaina, Ken Jr., and Jaxson.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Sr. and Adeline Hayford; his brother, Freddy Hayford; his sisters, Patty Hayford and Constance "Connie" Hayford; and his beloved grandson, Luis Castillejos Jr. The family takes great comfort in knowing that Harry is now peacefully reunited with his parents, his siblings, his grandson, and his faithful dog, Lady.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate his life on October 10th, 2026, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at the Stella Town Hall (2496 County Hwy C, Rhinelander, WI). This will be a joint celebration of life honoring both Harry and his children's mother, Maxine Belongia, who also recently passed away.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Harry’s honor to a local humane society to celebrate his lifelong love for animals.