Carl Harold Hafemann, Jr.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Carl Harold Hafemann, Jr. on Thursday, July 24.  He passed in his sleep after a day of doing the yard work he loved to do.  Carl could walk into a room and immediately become a host, greeting people, smiling, telling stories, and giving a poke to those he knew well.  He had a beautiful singing voice, was proud of his children and grandchildren, and had a stubborn streak, yet he had a big heart and keen mind.

 Extended family may remember him as the leader of the shenanigans at family gatherings, wielding a fire cracker or water hose.  He was meticulous in his work; the finished product of his electrical projects put most electricians to shame.  His ability to see the big picture allowed him to plan projects with a lens that got the most out of the endeavor.  He was both strict and goofy, barking like a dog in grocery store aisles to the wonderment of other children (and embarrassment of his own) or throwing biscuits at dinner.  He taught his children to leave a place better than the way it was found.

 Carl was born on April 12, 1941 in Fort Atkinson.  He married Mary Ellen Perry on September 28, 1961.  In high school he played basketball and enjoyed choir and musical theater.  During the summers, Carl spent time working on farms owned by family friends, creating a huge extended family and strong friendships.  He worked as a plumber, electrician, and general contractor for many farmers in the Cambridge, Fort Atkinson and Jefferson Areas.  He could always figure out a problem and fix it in the most complete way.

 Most of his life, Carl resided in Cambridge, Wisconsin with his wife and two children.  In his semi-retirement, he spent much of his time as a caretaker for properties along Lake Ripley.

 Carl is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years, Mary, daughter Julie Verban, son Kevin Hafemann (Maria), grandsons Nickolas Verban, Michael Verban and Peter Grabowski, and great-grandson Kevin, along with many nieces and nephews.  He is preceeded in death by his parents Carl Sr. and Nettie, and outlived his 6 siblings.

 With whomever crossed his path, Carl could find a long or short familial connection, and would introduce that person to others making connections between them as well.  We envision him doing the same wherever he is in his afterlife.

A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Nitardy Funeral Home, 1008 Madision Avenue, Fort Atkinson.  Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM until time of service and continue for one hour following the service.