Walter A Haefner

Northview - North Mankato Mortuary
2060 Commerce Drive
North Mankato, Minnesota 56003

Walter "Wally" Andrew Haefner, age 93, longtime North Mankato resident died Tues., November 12, 2013 at Pathstone Living, Mankato. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 18, 2013 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, North Mankato with Rev. Peter Nosbush officiating. Burial at Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. Visitation will be held 2-4 p.m. Sunday at Northview North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato and continues one hour before services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Holy Rosary Church, the Clara and John Haefner Schola Scholarship Fund or donor's choice.

Wally was born in Mankato on December 11, 1919 to John and Clara (Scheurer) Haefner.

Wally married Darlyne Meurer in Mankato on February 21, 1939. He served in the Navy during the World War II. Receiving an honorable discharge Dec. 3, 1945. After the service he worked at the Model Dairy. In 1951 Wally and Darlyne purchased the Wagon Wheel Cafe' from Albert and Arnold Bell. Wally and Darlyne worked together at the Wagon Wheel until Darlyne's death November 9, 1982. In 1983 Wally married Leone Hennager.

Kevin Haefner purchased the Wagon Wheel from his father, Wally, who continued helping out at the restaurant until his retirement in 1993.

Wally was a lifetime member of Holy Rosary Church and enjoyed for many years singing in the Men's Choir under the direction of Richard Murray. He was very active in the VFW Post 950 in Mankato and served as past commander of the post. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 11 Mankato.

He is survived by children: Wayne (Gloria) Haefner, Mankato; Carol (Richard) Boruff, North Mankato; Judy Probart, S. Pasadena, Florida; Kevin Haefner, Mankato; Roy (Scheila) Haefner, North Mankato; Mark (Mary) Haefner, St. Louis Park, MN. Grandchildren: Pat Haefner, Lake Washington, Matt Haefner, Prior Lake, MN, Marty (Natalie) Haefner, Hudson, WI., Sandi (Chris) Miller, Mankato, Jim (Vicki) Boruff, Belle Plaine, MN, Lori (Bob) Frye, Punto Gorda, FL, Lisa (Rauel) Tercilla, Miami, FL, Jeffery Probart, Oakland, CA, Brent (Shelia) Haefner, Crystal MN, Teresa Haefner, North Mankato, and Alyssa Haefner, St.Louis Park, MN, 4 step children; 15 great grandchildren and 2 great-great- grandchildren.

Brothers; Harry (Donna) Haefner, Mankato; George (Anne) Haefner, Arkansas; Eddie (Jean) Haefner, Hachensack, MN; Sisters, Janet Nelson, Mankato; Ruthie Haefner, Mankato; Dee (Ron) Wright, Mankato; Audrey (Duane) Mettler, Madison Lake; Sisters-in-law, Nila Haefner, Mankato and Phyllis Haefner, Madison Lake; and many nieces , nephews and cousins.

Predeceased by parents, wife, Darlyne, and second wife, Leone, and son David Haefner, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1968. Brothers, Les Haefner, Ralph Haefner, Stanley Haefner, Clair Haefner, Denis Haefner; Sisters, Mary Kudrle, and Angie Bruns; Son-in-law, John Probart, Grandson, Mike Haefner.

The family wishes to give special thanks to the nurses and loving caregivers of Wally during his stay at Pathstone.