Obituary
Francis Henry Hafner, age 84, peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, April 24th, at his Valley City residence. He is reunited with his beloved wife of 60 years, Joyce Marie (Greenwood) Hafner, who passed away just two years earlier in May 2022. Francis and Joyce were devoted in faith and lovingly raised a family of five children: Michele, Jeffrey (Peggy), Rene (David), Cynthia (James), and Adrian (Lori).
Born in Sykeston, North Dakota, he was the second child of Frank and Esther (Sondag) Hafner. There he learned the value of hard work, resilience, and profound respect for the land. His parents sold the family farm and moved to California until returning to North Dakota. He attended and graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1958. He took over some of his father’s entrepreneurial ventures, including managing a pizzeria, a laundromat, and a vending machine business. Francis’ true passion was for agriculture.
Francis was a steadfast member of St. Catherine's since 1955, proudly sending all five of his children to the same school he attended. There he volunteered and fundraised for the REACH (Religious Education Advancing Christian Heritage) program. He was honorably discharged after eight years of service as a Staff Sergeant with the ND Army National Guard. Francis was a charter member of Knights of Columbus Council # 6438 and a member of American Legion Post 60-A.
Francis and Joyce were committed to their community, by volunteering to support various activities such as the Nearly Nu store, delivering meals during St. Catherine Annual Christmas Party and Francis donated over ten gallons of blood to American Red Cross.
While the kids were growing up, Francis enjoyed playing outfield for the local baseball and softball teams. He loved sports, finding respite and delight while watching them on tv, or watching his own children and grandchildren competing. His favorite sports include MN Vikings and MN Twins.
He is survived by the five children, his cherished grandchildren include Nora (Michele's daughter), Zachary and Victoria (Jeffrey's children), Britney, Brook, and Chance (Rene's children), Tyler, Garet, and Ashley (Cynthia's children), and Shelby, Sheldon, and Shantell (Adrian's children). He has nine great grandchildren. He leaves behind his older sister, Patricia and husband Bill Thomas, and sisters, Madonna, and Rita. Francis is reunited with his only brother, Jerome, in heaven. He is also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce and parents Frank and Esther.
A visitation to pay respects and offer condolences will take place on Tuesday, April 30th. Visitation will begin at 5:00 pm, with rosary and prayers.
A funeral service honoring the life of Francis will be held on Wednesday, May 1st, at St. Catherine's Church of Alexandria, located at 540 3rd Ave NE, Valley City, ND 58072. The service will commence at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at St. Catherine's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Catherine REACH program.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Francis Henry Hafner, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.