John Harold Gaffney, age 91 years, of Oxford died on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at the farm where he was born and lived all of his life holding his wife's hand surrounded by his family. He was born on August 8, 1920 in the Town of New Haven, Adams County to Francis and Nellie (Hayes) Gaffney. Harold was united in marriage to Velma Ellis on September 27, 1947 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Briggsville. He was a dairy farmer, had also worked at Badger Ordinance and for the Wisconsin Dells School District as a custodian for 30 years. Harold enjoyed reminiscing about horses, farm life and family. He also enjoyed spending time with family and his dog as well as restoring tractors and lawn mowers. Survivors include loving wife of 64 years, Velma of Oxford; 4 children - Virginia (Allen) Rathman of Baraboo, Dan Gaffney of Chicago, Dennis (Lynn) Gaffney of Osceola and Jane Bloss of Sun Prairie; 12 grandchildren - Jeremy Rathman (Rachel Spreckels), Joe Rathman (Karen Guthrie), Eric Rathman (Cathy King), Kelly (Jeff) Tiesing, Nickie Rathman (Nick Anstett), Bridget Rathman (Luke Tredinnick), Kaleigh and Daniel Gaffney, Joseph, Jack and RJ Gaffney, and Kirsti Bloss (Digger Gee) and 6 great grandchildren - Savannah, Kirsten, Shani, Teagan, Tasha and Donovan; 2 sisters - Katherine Evans of Oxford and Dorothy Coon of Big Spring. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 sisters - Helene Bloss, Anna Zentner, and Margaret DeGarmo and an infant daughter - Iris Jo. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 5, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the St. Mary's Catholic Church, Briggsville with Father James Murphy officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Briggsville. Friends may call at the Picha Funeral Home, Portage on Sunday from 2 - 5 PM and at the church on Monday from 10 AM until 11 AM. Service Details.