John Paul Haglund was born Sept. 16, 1947, to Wesley Clayton Haglund and Margaret Ella (Poley) Haglund of La Grange, Ill. John was raised and attended school in Westmont, Ill., where he graduated in 1966. After high school, John attended a radio broadcasting college in Texas. After graduation, John returned to Illinois where he met and married Arlene Marie Droessler on April 7, 1969, in Danville, Ill. John and family moved to Fairmont, Minn. in the spring of 1971 where John started working for KSUM radio for many years. During a break in employment, John received more advanced training from Brown Institute of Broadcasting and Electronics, graduating with high honors. After graduation, John followed his dream of being on the air in Mitchell, S.D., where he gained employment with KORN radio. John served as news director at KORN and loved to assist with play by play announcements of the local area’s sports teams. After several years of service at KORN, John switched to local radio competitor KMIT, where he continued to work on air part-time well into his retirement. John’s alter ego was Santa Claus. John first started dressing for the part and entertaining families and children in the winter of 1972. Besides private parties for families and businesses, John played Santa Claus for the Fair-Mall in Fairmont for a number of years. In the weeks before his passing, John was happily reporting his full schedule of upcoming Christmas parties. To those of whom he was not able to entertain for Christmas 2021, we know he was sorry to disappoint. John is survived by his wife, Arlene of Fairmont, Minn.; daughter, Yolanda of La Salle, Minn.; sons, Clayton (Sara) of Mankato, Minn., and Kevin (Lori) of Shakopee, Minn.; grandchildren, Alyssa, Dillon, Ethan, Brandon, Justin; great-grandson, Jeremy; sisters, Betty, Marcia (Walt); brother, David; many nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and friends. John was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law; and mother-in-law. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mitchell Animal Rescue League in Mitchell, S.D. or Martin County Humane Society in Fairmont, Minn.

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