Frederick (Fred) John Halfen, 65, of Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, passed away on October 17, 2017 following an accident on the Wisconsin River.

Fred was born November 10, 1951 to Viola and Lawrence Halfen in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and lived most of his youth in Chippewa Falls. He attended UW Eau Claire, graduating with a degree in Geography in 1974, followed by graduate school at Northern Illinois University. He was employed by Alster & Associates in 1976 as a cartographer/photogrammetrist, which was later acquired by Ayres Associates of Eau Claire. Fred continued to work for Ayres Associates in Madison, Wisconsin for the rest of his career.

While at Ayres, he grew to become a successful manager and senior leader and was the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions from industry and community groups. In 2009, he was awarded a lifetime excellence award by UW Eau Claire for his accomplishments. Fred continued to serve his community through public service as a Sauk County Commissioner after retirement in 2011.

A true lover of family and the outdoors, Fred will be remembered for his love of fishing, camping, hiking, golfing, working on his home and in the woods, his dogs, and spending time with friends and family. He was a loving husband, proud father and grandfather, and genuine positive influence on everyone around him.

Fred leaves his wife Alice (Naffz) Halfen; his sons, Ben Halfen and Alan (Erin) Halfen; granddaughter, Reagan Halfen; his brothers Terrence Halfen, Norman (Beatrice) Halfen, and Jerry (Cindy) Halfen; his sisters-in-law Susan Adler, Cheryl Naffz, and Judy Halfen; brothers-in-law Gregory (Janie) Naffz, and David (Teri) Ruhland; other extended family members; and many close friends.

He was proceeding in death by his parents Viola and Lawrence Halfen, brother Lawrence Halfen, and sister-in-law Marie (Terrance) Halfen.

Please join with family and friends Thursday, October 26, 4:00 – 7:00 pm for a celebration of Fred's life at Hooverson Funeral Home in Sauk City, WI. The visitation will be followed by an informal gathering/meal at the Prairie du Sac, Town Hall building.


In lieu of gifts, the family asks that donations be made to the following organizations:

The Great Sauk State Trail (https://www.greatsaukstatetrail.org)

The Madison Gilda's Club (http://www.gildasclubmadison.org)

The family wishes to thank the first responders and medical staff at Sauk Prairie Memorial Hospital, and everyone for their thoughts, support, and prayers.