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Owen Hailey 12/09/2025

Owen Hailey 12/09/2025

Owen Pacifique Hailey, lovingly known as “OP,” was born on September 28, 2017, in Hudson, Wisconsin, and passed away on December 9, 2025, at the age of 8. He lived in New Richmond, WI, where he filled every space he entered with warmth, brightness, and uncontainable joy.

Owen was the very picture of childhood joy, bringing smiles and light everywhere he went and filling every heart he touched. His heart was as big as his grin and as immeasurable as his love for life.

Born in Hudson and raised in New Richmond, Owen lived every day with a spirit that was unmistakably his own. He had a big, generous heart and a smile that could light up a room in an instant. His sense of humor—playful, mischievous, and perfectly timed—often had others laughing even when it occasionally got him into a little trouble. He was full of joy, full of life, and an exceptionally loving brother.

Owen had a passion for so many things. He loved hockey with all his heart, and he was always eager to skate, cheer, or gear up. He enjoyed drawing, golf, baseball, soccer, hunting with family, Minecraft, and just about any toy he could get his hands on. And when the music turned on, he loved to dance with all the carefree delight of a child fully at home in the world.

He is deeply loved by his parents, Joe and Alisha Hailey, and his siblings: Liam (10), Jada (5), and Lincoln (3), who adored their brother and treasured every moment with him. He is also cherished by his grandparents Mike and Terri Higgins and Jon and Mary Hailey, and by his great-grandmother Sylivia Campeau. Owen’s life touched countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and loved ones who will forever carry his memory.

Owen attended Star Elementary School in New Richmond, WI, where he was in 2nd grade. He made friends easily, loved his teachers, and left a lasting impression on everyone with his laughter, tenderness, and the way he made others feel seen and special.

We will always remember Owen’s radiant smile, his infectious laugh, and the gentle compassion that made him so easy to love. He had a rare gift for lifting hearts, even without trying. His joy was pure. His presence was a blessing. And his memory will remain a light that never dims.

We are deeply grateful to the medical teams, first responders, the NRHA, Dan Fitzgerald, Shepherd of the Valley, and the entire community. The generosity and love poured out during this unimaginably difficult time have overwhelmed us and carried us in ways words cannot fully express.

Visitation for Owen will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 3–8 pm at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services, 728 S. Knowles Avenue, New Richmond, WI.
A Celebration of Owen’s Life will take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 11 am at Shepherd of the Valley Church, 14107 Hudson Road S, Afton, MN, with visitation from 10–11 am at the church. To honor Owen, please wear your hockey, ProHybrid, or Tiger gear.

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

If you would like to support the Hailey family, contributions may be made at:
 https://www.gofundme.com/f/love-and-strength-for-the-hailey-family

We will spend the rest of our days honoring the joy he brought into the world; his absence is immeasurable, but so is the love he leaves behind.

Click here to watch Owen’s service live on Thursday at 11 am

 

16 Comments

  • Sandy Sievert Posted December 13, 2025 11:48 am

    There are absolutely no words to ease this loss. The loss of a child is beyond devastating. Just know that so many care, and share with you. May God wrap his loving arms around you and guide you. OP wouldn’t want you to be so hurt.

  • Taryn Meister Posted December 13, 2025 12:11 pm

    This is devastating. We are with you with your grief and sorrow. My heart goes out with the deepest of sympathy. Thinking of your whole family in this very difficult time, wrapping my heart and prayers around you and sending comfort and peace.

    • Dwight Wolter Posted December 13, 2025 7:48 pm

      No words. Just pain in my heart for and family…..I am so very sorry ….hugs to you all ..

  • Lisa Woletz Posted December 13, 2025 1:43 pm

    More love to this family than I can convey. May Gods mercy wrap each of you in His heart and hands now and always. My deepest prayers to you all.

  • Carol Posted December 13, 2025 2:22 pm

    This is so very heartbreaking, my heart aches for all of you… Things just happen so fast ….. Praying God’s strength, peace and comfort for all of you as you go thru the coming days and holding on to those precious memories… God bless you all and take comfort in knowing you will one day be reunited, you have a precious little angel in Heaven…. Peace to Owen’s memory.

  • Melissa Lundt Posted December 13, 2025 7:37 pm

    Bummer

  • April Wooster Posted December 13, 2025 9:40 pm

    May the God of all peace fill your hearts, minds and souls, and supernaturally comfort you during this loss. Deepest condolences and continued prayers.

  • Betty Sundvick Posted December 14, 2025 6:24 am

    My Heart hurts for you! May god be with you 🙏 🙏🙏

  • Jennifer Putz Posted December 14, 2025 7:34 am

    My deepest sympathies. May God, Our Father, almighty healer bring your hearts comfort beyond all understanding as you mourn the loss of your precious boy. May He grant you gifts that He is with you every step of this journey and fill the moments of unbearable sadness with peace and cherished memories. Praying for your family and friends and sending my love to you all

  • James and Marilyn D Reppe Posted December 14, 2025 10:08 am

    Our hearts break for you for the loss of your little boy.

  • Joyce Starzl Posted December 14, 2025 11:34 am

    I don’t know you and I didn’t know Owen but my heart is breaking for you all. My own son Billy passed away on Dec 6th so I feel your pain! Cherish the time you had with him- no one should have to go thru this! My prayers for peace for you all!

  • Fuerstenberg Family Posted December 14, 2025 3:37 pm

    From one hockey family to yours we are so very sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs from Menomonie

  • Broderson Family Posted December 14, 2025 6:23 pm

    Joe, Alicia, Liam, Jada and Lincoln with broken hearts, we hold your family close and remember your beautiful son, Owen. We are so sorry for your unimaginable loss.

  • Joel & Kim Anez Posted December 14, 2025 7:44 pm

    Our hearts go out to you for your precious son and brother. We heard such lovely things from one of his classmates, our great grandson. He uplifted his classmates with his cheerful words and positive attitude. He will be missed by us all. So very sorry. God be with you.

  • Cathy Stevens Posted December 14, 2025 10:09 pm

    Both Mike and I are devastated and no words can express how our hearts ache for all of your family. May God give you all of the strength you need to heal and get through this difficult time.
    You have the support of the entire community.

  • Jennifer Johnson Posted December 14, 2025 10:40 pm

    My condolences to all of Owen’s family and friends. RIP sweet boy.

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