Arno "Arne" H. W. Hafemeister

Arno (Arne) Herman Wilhelm Hafemeister passed away at Evergreen Terrace Assisted Living on Monday, October 22, 2012. He was 97 years old. Arno was born in Antigo on April 3, 1915, the son of Herman and Cora (Karen Peterson Voss) Hafemeister. As a youngster, Arno was taught by his mother, a schoolteacher and attended Pioneer Grade School next to his parent's farm. He graduated from Antigo High School in 1932. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and until his passing was the oldest surviving member of Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity. Arno began working for the State of Wisconsin testing milk around the state. On one of his testing trips to Ashland WI, he met his future wife, Violet Lindstrom. They were married on April 23, 1938 and returned to Antigo where they farmed for many years. In 1944 they purchased the Hafemeister home farm from his parents and remained living there until 2011. In 1952 Arno with his father became a J. I. Case implement dealer. His wife, Violet, and sons, Arne and Peter, joined him in the business for over 30 years. He and his wife enjoyed traveling around northern Wisconsin and upper Michigan to meet and visit with their many customers over the years. In later years, after Violet's passing, he enjoyed going gambling with his children, his friend, Cora and caregiver, Ellie, while meeting up with former customers, friends and neighbors. Arno is survived by six of his seven children: Judy (David) Peterson, White Lake, WI; Karen Bornfleth, Antigo, WI; Lois (Allen) Smith, Boulder Junction, WI; Peter (Sandra) Hafemeister, Juneau, WI; Sue Hafemeister, Wausau, WI; Gary (Marla) Hafemeister, Plymouth, MI, his daughter-in-law, Bonnie (David) Baginski, Antigo, WI and sister-in-law, Ione Omnaas, St. Paul, MN. He is survived by 10 grandchildren: Traci Bretl, Tina (Mike) Smith, Rodney Brandelius (Smith), Chelle (Marcus) Guthrie, Stefanie Hale, Amy (Joe) Malara, Wayne (Jackie) Hafemeister, Alyssa (Joe) Marble, Kara Hafemeister (fiancé Dave Graveson), and Kelsey (Neal) Shipton. He is survived by 17 great grandchildren: Kari and Ben Bretl; Zak Kickhaver, Hannah and Lauren Smith; Rex and Ian Brandelius, Emma, Berit, Bode, Noley and Rowan Guthrie; Ruby Carter; Ethan Holfert; Madison and Zachary Hafemeister and Joshua Marble. He is survived by first cousins: Deloris Krajewski, Donna (Bill) Graham, and Nancy (Jim) Monti. Arno is further survived by two godchildren: Margaret Kolpack and Joann Swanson along with many other cousins, nieces and nephews. Arno was preceded in death by his wife, Violet, his parents, Herman and Cora, his stepmother, Ruth, his parents in law, Emil and Anna Lindstrom, his son, Arne, his great granddaughter, Effie Guthrie, his sister and brother-in-laws: Teckla and Ole Omnaas, Rug and Corrine Lindstrom, Vera and Alvin Bratley and special friend Cora Hipke. Arno served on the Langlade County Board, was chair of the Committee on Aging and one of the leaders in the establishment of CAR, the retired persons facility in Antigo. Arno was honored with a number of awards during his tenure as an implement dealer. In addition he was a supporter of 4-H and FFA organizations receiving a statewide 4-H Alumni Recognition award. A memorial in his name will be established for the Future Farmers of America. Arno was always a farmer at heart even though being a salesman was his trade. A memorial service and family gathering will take place at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home on Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 12 noon. His son, Gary, will officiate. Visitation will be held on November 3, 2012 from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 noon at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Antigo Cemetery next to his wife, Violet. The family thanks the Evergreen Terrace employees for their gracious and caring assistance during Arno's final days.