Donald R. Haefs

Donald R. Haefs, 78, of La Crescent, MN went to his Heavenly home on Thursday, April 11, 2019. He fought a courageous battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at Hillview Health Care Center. Don was born on September 18, 1940 in La Crosse, WI to Hans and Margaret (Muenzenberger) Haefs. Don attended school in La Crescent. He married Annette L. Reinstra on November 19, 1963 in La Crosse. He lived to achieve his goal of celebrating their 55 ^th wedding anniversary. Together they built a home in La Crescent where they raised their two sons. After high school Don began working for Haefs and Sons, doing everything from house moving, bridge building, quarry work and ready- mix concrete. Over his lifetime he taught his boys the value of hard work and set about teaching them about construction, mechanics, fabrication and numerous invaluable skills they have used throughout their lives.

Donald is survived by his loving wife Annette, sons Michael (Terrie) and Kenneth (Amy), grandchildren Matthew (Gina) Stegen, Kelly, Kandis and Ryan Haefs, four great grandchildren, Maddox, Roman, Brynnley and Vincent Stegen; brothers Harley (Carol) of La Crosse, Melvin (Cozette) of La Crescent, sisters Caroline (Jim) Zoes of Florida and Evelyn (Chuck) Bone of Eden Prairie, MN. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to thank Mayo Health System, Mayo Hospice and Hillview Health Care Center for their kind and compassionate care.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 18, 2019 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 414 Main St., La Crescent, MN. Pastor John Unnasch will officiate. Burial will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schumacher – Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 111 S. Oak St., La Crescent on Wednesday from 4 – 7 PM and again at the church on Thursday from 10 AM until the time of service.