Orville J. Haffemann, 81, of Wausau, passed away on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at Kennedy Park Medical and Rehab Center, Weston.
He was born to the late Roy and Leona (Grawien) Haffemann in Merrill on February 20, 1930. Orville was known as a loving father, a family man who was very caring, and was always willing to share. He was part of the last class confirmed in German at Trinity Lutheran Church, Marathon County. Orville married the former Carol Klug on December 7, 1957 in Wausau. He worked at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for 28 years as the circulation manager. Orville served his country in the Army during the Korean War.
Orville was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, where he was involved in dartball, the Lay Ministry, and ushering for 30 years. Orville was a sports fan. He enjoyed watching the Packers, the Brewers, and church softball. He played slow-pitch softball and was a member of the fast-pitch team, The Barnstormers, from Merrill. Orville liked being with his family, especially camping together and taking vacations. All of Orville’s family looked forward to his cooking, whether it was breakfasts, his homemade bread, or his soups. He enjoyed playing cards and playing Sequence with his grandchildren and friends.
Orville is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carol (Klug); children, Jamie (Paul) Levar, Tom (friend, Marjie) Haffemann, Tim (Renee) Haffemann, and Sue (Brad) Behrens; grandchildren, Ryan Haffemann, Andy Haffemann, Danielle Levar, and Jaclyn Levar; sisters, Ceora Sabatke, and Lenore (Roger) English; brother-in-law, Gary (Barb) Klug; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Gilbert Sabatke.
A funeral service will take place at 11:00 am on Friday, September 23, 2011 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 600 Stevens Drive, Wausau with the Rev. Bruce Lamont and the Rev. Chris Sansom officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 9:00 am until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park with military honors by American Legion Montgomery Plant Post #10.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
The family wishes to thank the staffs of Our House Assisted Living and Kennedy Park for the care given to Orville.
Memorials are suggested to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer’s Association, 2900 Curry Lane, Suite A, Green Bay, WI 54311 or www.alz.org.