Nila Haefner

Nila Jeanine Haefner, 84, of Mankato, passed away September 23, 2020.

Funeral mass will be 10:30a.m., Monday, September 28, 2020 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. The family prefers memorials be given to Loyola Catholic School or St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family.

Nila was born June 21, 1936 to Peter and Edna (Schroeder) Stefanski in Fairmont, Minnesota. She graduated from East Chain High School in 1954. In 1956, she married Clair Haefner. Together they lovingly raised five children.

Nila was an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church; volunteering with the CCW and singing in the adult choir. In her free time, she enjoyed traveling, playing cards, flower gardening, especially roses, making homemade candy for family during the Christmas season, and was known to be a fabulous cook and baker. Nila’s high school friends, the “Big 11” remained very special to her throughout her life. She also enjoyed being part of a supper club with dear friends for over 40 years.  Nila will be remembered as a generous gift giver who loved being a grandmother and spending time with all family.

Nila is survived by her children, Kim (Dan) Rotchadl, Scott (Theresa) Haefner, Bruce Haefner, Richard (Suzanne Spellacy) Haefner, and Jennifer Karlen; grandchildren, Tony (Briana), Robert (Lina), Andrew (Chelsea), Max, Kristy (Craig), Emily (Alex), Eric, Alicia (Matt), Alex (Tara), Danielle, Bryan, Terry, Peter, Deirdre, Eva, Luke, Ella, Noah, Alec, Olivia, and Katherine; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, RoseMary Lingle; brother, Warren (Barbara) Stefanski; and in-laws, George (Anne) Haefner, Phyllis Haefner, Audrey (Dewey) Mettler, Jean Haefner, and Donna Haefner.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clair in 2003; sister, JoAnne Stefanska; daughter-in-law, Deirdre Haefner; and many other family members.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at New Perspective and MCHS Hospice, particularly, Kirsten, for their wonderful and loving care.