Obituary of Robert A. Hafermann, Sr.

Robert Arthur Hafermann, Sr., age 90, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on May 2, 2017, at Strawberry Lane Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Services will be at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, May 5, 2017 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids. Pastor Martin Baur and Pastor James Mumm will officiate. Burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:30 A.M. until the time of services at the church on Friday.

Robert was born July 17, 1926 in Wisconsin Rapids to Arthur and Laura (Schroeder) Hafermann. Bob, as his friends and family called him, attended St. Paul’s Elementary School, and then graduated from Lincoln High School in 1944. He was drafted into the Navy and attended Purdue University graduating as an electrician’s mate 3rd class. Utilizing his degree, he worked as an electrician on Mare Island in California repairing damaged warships and serving on a pilot boat as a motor machinist ferrying captains out to incoming and outgoing ships. Bob was honorably discharged from the Navy in July of 1946.

Growing up, he always had a love for building and the outdoors. After working for Schroeder and Son, he was accepted into the carpenter apprenticeship program which enhanced his love for construction.  In July of 1949 he met the true love of his life Joan Lambert and they married on August 28th, 1950. With her help and guidance, he established Better Built Homes by Bob Hafermann in 1958. His legacy of generosity, honesty, and hard work lives on through the company's success which continues to thrive for three generations.

In addition to his love for building and his family, Bob enjoyed playing golf, singing in the St. Paul’s Choir and the Hafermann Singers and last but not least playing cards. Bob is now whistling and singing in Heaven with his brothers, sisters, friends, and son.

Robert is survived by his wife, Joan; children: Robert (Jean) Hafermann, Jr., Rhonda (Kevin Roberts) La Chapelle, Jodi (Miguel) Ramos, and Todd (Heidi) Hafermann; daughter-in-law, Debbie (Lynn) Petersen; grandchildren: Jason (April) Hafermann, Matthew (Stephanie) Hafermann, Joshua (Amy) Hafermann, Oressa (Randy) Kulack, Joseph (Amelia) Hafermann, Martin (Judy) Hoogesteger, Rachel (Jalel) Mayour, Merrick Ramos, Malaeni Ramos, Marina Ramos, Calvin Hafermann, and Costis Hafermann; 15 great-grandchildren, and 2 sisters-in-law.  He is preceded in death by his parents; a son, Randy Hafermann, and 12 siblings.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services of Wausau especially Michelle, Rhonda, Donna, Flora, and Lisa and Strawberry Lane Medical and Rehabilitation Center for their loving care shown to Bob.