Hal Haefer

Hal David Haefer, a wonderful husband, brother, uncle, friend, and patriot, left this earthly life on 22 JAN 2021, at 11:11 (military time), after a courageous battle with cancer. He surely has fought the good fight. Hal was born on Wednesday, 12 Aug 1942, to Maxine Sarah Eschler and biological father, Wilhelm David Meyers, in Great Falls, Montana. Sadly, Hal never knew the Meyers' side of his family, with the exception of Wilhelm's brother, Uncle Harry. Early years were spent in his Uncle Leonard's home with his uncle, Aunt Norma, and mother who were all divorced. Hal had a “great sense of curiosity” about the world around him. His uncle, who called Hal “George,” noted that his little nephew asked “too” many questions. There was always another “why” for each question answered. That was the beginning of Hal's pursuit of knowledge and understanding which were driving forces throughout his life. He was a voracious reader and a student of history, especially military history. When Hal was four years old, Donald Maxwell Haefer became his Dad. The family lived at Rainbow Dam near Great Falls when his Dad secured work with the Montana Power Company. In the summer of 1952 when his Dad was transferred to Mystic Lake Dam power plant, Hal completed fourth through eighth grades in a one-room school where he had the same teacher for the five years he was there. In Hal's freshman year, the family returned to Great Falls, and Hal became a Bison at what was then the school with the largest student population in the state. What a big change! In 1960 Hal enrolled at Montana State College in Bozeman with the intention of pursuing an engineering degree. Five years later he graduated with degrees in psychology and sociology. He was a member of Delta Lambda Chapter of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. After graduation, Hal enlisted in the Army on 06 Aug 1965. Basic training at Fort Ord, CA, was followed by advanced training at Fort Holabird, MD, to become a Military Intelligence Specialist, with a Top Secret security clearance and a job title of Special Agent. He was in the first class of Special Agents to ever be assigned to a Combat Unit. At Fort Benning, GA, he trained as a paratrooper and received his Silver Wings in 1966. Later in 1966 he was transferred to Vietnam where he became part of 5th Special Forces. He was stationed in Nha Trang for six months, Saigon for six months, and then the Mobile Training Team for six months. Hal was proud, honored and humbled to serve as a Green Beret with 5th Special Forces. He was discharged on 24 May 1968 with a rank of Sergeant E-5. Back in Montana in 1968, he obtained a teaching endorsement in the social sciences from MSU in Bozeman. He then worked as a security officer at Montana Tech for 1½ years, followed by his master's program at Northern Montana College in Havre for high school career counseling. While Hal was working on his Master's degree in 1973, he met the love of his life, Laura Lee Knight, over a game of Hearts when she was attending a 3-week workshop at NMC. They were married on 17 Aug 1974, in Glasgow, Montana. Their first year was spent in Simms where he was the counselor in the high school. Then they established a home in Poplar for the next thirty years where they were a part of the Poplar Public School. He was known as “Mr. Haefer” to hundreds of high school students as their counselor. Summer vacations during the years in the school system were often spent doing whimsical travel through the western part of the U.S. as well as through Canadian provinces. Favorite places to vacation included the Oregon Coast and national parks. Hal retired from counseling in 2002. In 2004 they moved to Billings where he spent his time keeping his yard meticulously trimmed and uniformly green, as well as making improvements on their home, and traveling, especially to Branson, Missouri, for great country music entertainment. Hal's greatest interests were skiing, reading, driving fast and photographing wildlife. He was a huge Harry Potter fan. He was one of an “elite” group of readers who have successfully tackled the novel, War and Peace. He was a huge John Denver fan! And for years Hal followed the NASCAR circuit, especially drivers Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon. In May of 2010 Hal began his cancer journey. He dealt with his medical problems with strength, courage and perseverance with his faith in Jesus. He was happy, comfortable and at peace. “I've check marked all the boxes of a wonderful life.” Hal subscribed to Ronald Reagan's thinking—“Trust, but verify.” May he leave you with these thoughts to ponder: “If you think you can, you can.” “When something is inevitable, accept it.” And, “Life is about moving forward.” Hal is survived by his wife, Laura; his sisters Sharon Hagel, Linda (Ridge) Ellis, and Renee Haefer; his sisters-in-law Julie (Charles) Swanson, Sharleen (Ed) Clark, and Doris (Rick) Leader; Uncle James Haefer; many special nieces and nephews; cousins and great friends. Uncle Hal was godfather to his niece, RaeLynn Ivy Arnold and his nephew, Russell Jon Leader. He was predeceased by his parents and recently, a great-niece, Amanda Hagel Breidenbach. The family is grateful for the care and attention that Hal received at the Billings Clinic during his cancer journey, especially remembering Dr. Gail Kleman, Dr. Michael Kidd, Diane Truchot, NP, and Kyle Raymond, PA, the nurses who tended to him in the infusion center, and his phlebotomists—Becky, Billie and Shay. Thanks for the memories and the Pepsi, too. A celebration of life is planned in the spring. Donations in Hal's memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project (4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256), Friendship House (3123 8th Ave. South, Billings, MT 59101) or a charity of your choice. Dahl Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Hal's complete obituary is available at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com