Jeffry Robert Hafner

Jeffry Robert Hafner

April 23, 1970 - July 3, 2014

OGALLALA, Neb. -- Jeffry Robert Hafner was the oldest son born to Robert and Julie (Hutfles) Hafner on April 23, 1970, in Grand Island, Nebraska. He died in a car accident Thursday, July 3, 2014, in Ogallala, Nebraska.

Jeff was baptized at St. Mary's Cathedral in Grand Island, Nebraska, and was confirmed at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington, Nebraska. With the closing of the Catholic high school the same year, the Class of 1988 was the last to receive a Catholic high school education in Lexington.

Jeff worked in construction with his cousin, Tommy Cook, for many years in Denver, Colorado, before moving to Scottsbluff, Nebraska. In Scottsbluff, he worked in the roofing business with his brother. After leaving Scottsbluff and moving to Ogallala, Nebraska, to be with friends, Jeff worked at various jobs until his most recent at Indian Hills Manor Nursing Home. Jeff brought a smile to the residents and spoke often of his fondness for the elderly.

Jeff was preceded in death by a niece, Olivia Grace Hafner, in 2013; grandparents, Clem and Alice Hutfles, Edward B. Hafner and Harold (Pooch) and Irene Hafner Portschy; and uncles, George Sattler, Richard Chartier, Tom Cook and Richard Hafner.

Those surviving with good memories of Jeff's kindness and love for all are his parents, Bob and Julie Hafner, Herndon; sister, Jacalyn (David) Foxhoven, Parker, Colorado; brothers, Joseph (Shannon) Hafner, Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and Jason (Raquel) Hafner, Lexington, Nebraska; nephews and nieces, Caitlyn Foxhoven, Allison Foxhoven, Keleigh Hafner, Caleb Foxhoven, Noah Hafner, Elijah Foxhoven, Abrahm Hafner, Seth Foxhoven, Matthew Hafner, Emilie Foxhoven, Anna Hafner, Gracie Foxhoven and David Hafner; aunts, Janice Sattler, Marlene Cook, Beth Chartier, Natalie Hafner and Lauri Hafner (Mike) Woodrum; uncle, Clem (Amy) Hutfles Jr.; and many cousins, family and friends.

Jeff loved the Lord, his family and did not know a stranger. He always found the best in any person he met. He would want us to live that same way.

A vigil service was Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Herndon, Kansas, at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial was Thursday, July 10, 2014, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Herndon with Father Nick Parker officiating. Burial was in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Herndon.

Memorial contributions may be addressed to Ave Maria Catholic School in Parker, Colorado, or St. Agnes Catholic School in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and sent to Pauls Funeral Home, 121 N. Penn Ave., Oberlin Kansas. Visit our website at www.paulsfh.com for more information or to leave condolences for the family.

Pauls Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.