Leonard W. Hafner, age 89, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on November 10, 2025 at his home in Lyndon Twp.
He was born July 17, 1936 in Chelsea, MI, the son of William and Mary (Honeck) Hafner. He married Ruth H. (Beeman) on February 8, 1958, and she preceded him in death on July 19, 2025.
Leonard had lived in Chelsea his entire life. He dropped out of school after eighth grade to help support his family after the death of his father. He later worked as a driver/mechanic for Chrysler Proving Grounds, retiring after 35 years of service. He was an avid outdoorsman, and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, tending his flower garden, and mowing his lawn.
He is survived by three children, Lennie (Sue) Hafner of Alaska, Leslee (CC) Hafner of Jackson, and Linda (Gary) McCalla of Munith; two grandchildren; a brother, Dennis Hafner of Chelsea, a sister, Gloria Near of Saline, as well as many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Ruth, he was preceded in death by three brothers and five sisters.
Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 4-6 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Mary Barrett officiating. Burial will follow Mt. Hope Cemetery in Waterloo Twp.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Waterloo Farm Museum.
