Richard E. Hafner

Richard E. “Rick” Hafner, 69, of DeWitt, Iowa, died unexpectedly in his home, Thursday morning, April 28, 2016.

Richard Edwin Hafner was born March 3, 1947, to Edwin C. and Esther R. (Wickert) Hafner in Peoria, Illinois. After graduating from high school in Peoria, he received his degree in business administration from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa. He married Janis Tague on November 28, 1969, in DeWitt. He worked for John Deere Industrial Equipment in Kentucky and Indiana before settling in DeWitt, where he owned and operated R. E. Hafner Trucking & Excavating. He later worked for Ralston Purina in Clinton. What he really loved the most was working with his sons; together they founded Hafner Bros. Construction, in DeWitt. After retiring, Rick enjoyed being a realtor at Central Realty.

Rick was an upbeat ray of sunshine who had a great sense of humor and loved to tell stories. His life revolved around his family, especially his “grandbabies.”

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 47 years, Jan; his sons, Eric of Dubuque, Thad (Beth) of Davenport, Vince of Delmar, and Bryan (Heather) of Maquoketa; grandchildren, Elaina Esther, Cole Lloyd, and Charlie Dale; a brother, Fred (Paula); many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 3:00 until 4:45 p.m. Monday, May 2, 2016, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. A Memorial Talk will follow at 5:00 p.m. in the funeral home.