Harold James `Harry` Machtan
Harold James `Harry` Machtan , Age 85
Harold James “Harry” Machtan, age 85, of Baraboo, unexpectedly passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at his home.
Harry was born to Harold and Edna (Schultz) Machtan on August 26, 1941, in Marshfield. He graduated from Marshfield High School with the Class of 1958. Harry proudly served his country in the U.S. Army / Wisconsin Army National Guard from 1959 to 1967 as a Specialist Four (E-4), serving periods of active duty at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and Fort Lewis, Washington.
Harry was united in marriage to Nancy Helmbrecht in Baraboo on April 10, 1982. He was a longtime Realtor in Baraboo, establishing his own Real Estate Company in 1976. His goal was to reach 50 years in that role, which he accomplished this past July. Harry enjoyed long walks, whether around Devil’s Lake or on the Baraboo Riverwalk. He enjoyed Wisconsin sports, visiting with his coffee buddies, the companionship of his family dogs, and he would never turn down an ice cream cone. Those who knew Harry could count on him to show up, quietly and faithfully, whenever he was needed. Above all else, he cherished spending time with his beloved family – especially his wife, his two daughters, and his three grandchildren.
Harry is survived by his wife of 44 years, Nancy; children, Tracy Machtan, and Andrea Pollema; grandchildren, Margo James Pollema, Lucy Alletta Pollema, and Hugo Kenneth Pollema; siblings, Gary (Marian) Machtan, Ross (Mazie) Machtan, Roger (Joyce) Machtan, and Wayne (Roni) Machtan; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Machtan; as well as many well-loved nieces, nephews, relatives, and good friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Alex Peter Pollema; siblings, Betty (Gordy) Stargardt, Gordon Machtan, and Ronald Machtan.
Funeral services will be held at 12pm on Friday, September 18, 2026, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Baraboo. Visitation will occur from 10am until the time of service. Military honors, provided by the Baraboo Veterans Honor Guard, will be held at the church immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Baraboo.
Condolences
Patti Riesch September 08, 2026
Friend COLORADO SPRINGS , Colorado
My deepest sympathies to Nancy and there children and family. I am So sorry to hear Harry passed away so sudden. Such a wonderful Christain man. He will be so missed by all. My thoughts and Prayers are with you
Kevin Krueger September 08, 2026
Friend Wisconsin Dells , Wisconsin
Kevin and I were just talking about Harry the other day and remembering how he had to pay for installing roads in the various area where he and Jerry Luther built houses. What a wonderful person he was. Thoughts and prayers for your loss.
Fred and Carolyn Marquardt September 08, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Sending our love, and sincere condolences to Nancy, Andrea and Tracy along with the three Grandchildren! As Nancy always said “ Harry was one in a million” , he was a Great Husband,, Father and Grandpa. He was a friend to many and was one heck of an Amazing Real Estate Agent/Broker! He made the world a better place and will be missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known him! We are so sorry,, REST EASY HARRY….
Chris Grieves September 08, 2026
Friends Reedsburg , Wisconsin
Grant and I are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you and your daughters.
Dianne Ziech September 08, 2026
Waitress Reedsburg , Wisconsin
I’m so sorry to hear about Harry. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Schultz September 09, 2026
Friends Sauk City , Wisconsin
Nancy Andrea and Tracy. I'm so sorry to hear about Harry. He was a wonderful man and was always awesome to work with. I'm so very sorry. Please accept heartfelt hugs from me. God bless you all. Nancy
Debby Penzkover September 09, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Harry was one of my first customers when I started working as a waitress here in Baraboo over 40 years ago. We had many wonderful chats on the Baraboo River Walk.. He was always kind hearted Nancy, and family., I am so sorry for your sad and sudden loss of your Harry. Prayers and love to you all.
Mark Knowles September 09, 2026
Customer Salome , Arizona
I'm so glad I stopped to see Harry in July he was a great friend sorry for your loss
Jim & Barb Regan September 09, 2026
Friends Baraboo , Wisconsin
What a a wonderful, kind and loving human being. He will be missed by all who he touched especially members of St Paul’s Lutheran church where he greeted everyone before each service. Deepest sympathy to his family.
Dennis and Penny Quandt September 09, 2026
Friends Lake Mills , Wisconsin
Nancy and Girls so sorry to hear of Harry’s passing.Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this most difficult time .He was a kind and caring person.
Ruth M Browning September 10, 2026
Friend BARABOO , Wisconsin
Nancy, Tracy , & Andreamy deepest condolences to all of you and your families. Harry was a kind and caring person and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Scott Huedepohl September 10, 2026
Friend Burlington , Wisconsin
Harry was a mentor to me. He taught me how to treat people as I would want to be treated. He always did things the right way. I didn’t realize it then, but I was learning from one of the best. May God bless you and give you his peace. The best is yet to come.
Beth Bostwick September 10, 2026
Friend on The River Walk Baraboo , Wisconsin
I am so so sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. I would visit with him when our paths would cross on the Baraboo Riverwalk. Such a special man and fun to talk to! Definitely made a difference in the Baraboo community! My deepest sympathy, Nancy to you and your family!
Janelle Gomon Owens September 11, 2026
Friend Madison , Wisconsin
Heartfelt condolences to Nancy and her entire family. Harry was a genuinely kind man, very professional and exceptionally caring. Many prayers the Lord will lift you up in peace and comfort, dear friend.
Cherie McGraw September 11, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Nancy and girls. I am so sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. What a great person. He loved his family dearly. Hugs my friend
Sharon Crahen September 11, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
One great man. I wish I had a dollar for everyone that has said “everyone liked Harry”. Such a loving family
Pam Thompson September 11, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
As a proud Riptide parent I watched Harry Machtan make a difference in so many lives. Baraboo lost a treasure, Heaven gained an Angel!
Jim messer September 11, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Nancy Sorry to hear harry passed away. You, Harry, my wife Rose and I go back a long way to Rose working for Harry, Harry and I bowling at elks, and other casual encounters over the years. It is my personal preference to not attend funerals but wanted you to know I am thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Jim Messer
Virginia and David Behn September 11, 2026
Neighbors Baraboo , Wisconsin
Please accept our condolences.
Ralph A Heiser September 11, 2026
Close Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
My condolences to you Nancy and the rest of the family. I always looked forward to chatting with Harry when we ushered together for Sunday morning worship at St. Paul's. We had numerous discussions about sporting events and growing Blueberries. Will miss him not being there !
Jack Meegan September 11, 2026
Friend. Baraboo, Wi. 53913 , Wisconsin
I would see Harry at Mc Donals in Baraboo during the week in the Morning, as he would have coffee with his friends and at the same time I would be doing the same at another table. We would wave to each other in passing. SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. Jack.
Mary Campbell September 11, 2026
Acquaintance Baraboo , Wisconsin
Im so very sorry. Blessings
Bill Crowley September 12, 2026
Friend of 50+ years Baraboo , Wisconsin
Nancy, I will miss my best friend of over 50 years. With Harry's passing this makes me "The last man standing" of the four who went to so many Packers Games together over the years. I am saddened at his passing, while at the same time I look back at how happy it made me when I was asked to be the Best Man for your wedding.. Nancy, you and Harry are two of my oldest and best friends. Love Always, to you and the girls and the grands.
Bill Crowley September 12, 2026
Friend of 50+ years Baraboo , Wisconsin
Nancy, So sad to have lost my friend of over 50 years. While at the same time I feel blessed to have been friends for such a long time. And to have the honor of being the Best Man when you two were married. Now I am shocked to be "The last man standing" of the four who went together to so many Packers games over the decades. And now I offer my best to you and the Girls and the Grands. YOU are all the best!
Donna September 14, 2026
Shared grief Waukesha , Wisconsin
Nancy, Andrea, Tracy, Margo, Lucy and Hugo, I pray you find comfort in each other as you navigate the loss of your dearly loved husband, father and grandfather. Harry loved well, and was well loved. All the more reason he will be mourned and missed. My deepest sympathies.
Dixie and Ron Marquardt September 14, 2026
Friends Baraboo , Wisconsin
Nancy and family, We send our deepest sympathy and prayers of comfort to all of you. Harry was a such a nice, kind man that will be missed. Ron and Dixie Marquardt
Dan & Ruth Hiller September 15, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
We are so sorry to hear the sad news. He was always a joy to be around, a good friend. With sincere sympathy to Nancy & family. Hugs
David and Linda Steinhauer September 15, 2026
Freind Baraboo , Wisconsin
Our sympathy for Harry and his family. We will always miss you on our outdoor adventures, the walks out at the lake, on the Baraboo River Walk and your greetings Sunday mornings at church. Harry you will be truly missed, God bless you! Friends Baraboo, WI
Paula Giles Muschinske September 16, 2026
Acquaintance Cumberland , Wisconsin
Nancy and family, A friend of mine in Baraboo sent me Harry’s obituary, knowing I knew both of you from working together at Wisconsin Finance. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on Harry’s passing. Working with both you, Nancy, and Harry all those years ago is one of my precious memories. May your family be reminded each day of the love and good times you shared,
Darlene Machtan September 16, 2026
Cousin Rhinelander , Wisconsin
I was so very sorry to learn of Harry’s passing. What a lovely obituary paying tribute to a life well lived. I am sorry to be unable to attend his service but will be with his family in spirit. God’s peace and love to you all.
Ann and Jeff BogtSchaller September 16, 2026
Friends Baraboo , Wisconsin
Prayers of comfort go out to Nancy, Andrea, Tracy.
Matt and Joan Hart September 17, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
We are very sorry to hear of Harry's passing. He was a wonderful man, and we will miss him. Our sympathy to the entire Machtan family.
Frank Bowen September 17, 2026
Friend BARABOO , Wisconsin
I am so sorry to hear of Harry's passing ! He was a long time Devil's Lake regular always kind and enthusiastic especially kind with my 2 dogs who were always with me I will miss him there and also at the Alpine where he would gather with friends ! Thoughts and prayers to his entire family Sincerely Frank Bowen Baraboo
Greg Lang September 17, 2026
Acquaintance Reedsburg , Wisconsin
So sorry for your loss. What a great guy. Sold us our first house and always had time to talk whether seeing him at the lake or at the Alpine. He will be misses
Beth Ann Chambers September 18, 2026
Old neighbor Baraboo , Wisconsin
So sorry Nancy to hear about Harry. I used to live on corner. I suffered the loss of my mom a couple months ago. It takes time. Memories will get you through. Praying for you and family for your loss.
Heather Wood September 17, 2026
Aquatics Director Baraboo , Wisconsin
Our entire swim family is keeping your family in our thoughts. Harry was an invaluable fixture at our Indoor Pool, serving faithfully as our Head Timer for dual, Conference, Sectional, and State meets. He was the definition of reliability and kindness, and someone I could always count on. I’m grateful for everything he gave to our community, and he will be profoundly missed.
Samanthia Brunker September 19, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. He will be greatly missed.