Memorial
Dennis “Denny” LaVerne Haefner, 87, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at The Views in Marion.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 PM on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, April 27, 2026, at All Saints Catholic Church. A private family inurnment will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Denny was born on May 7, 1938, in Klemme, Iowa, to Burnette and Swanetta (Walters) Haefner. He experienced the loss of his father at just 12 days old, a hardship that helped shape his strength and character throughout his life. Denny and his mom continued to maintain the family farm and graduated from Klemme High School in 1956. He attended Eagle Grove Junior College, where his team qualified for the Junior College National Championship. He later graduated from Buena Vista University, where his basketball team won the National Championship in 1962.
Denny began his career in education as a teacher and coach at Sioux Rapids, Iowa. He later transitioned into sales and marketing, holding various leadership positions with Life Investors from 1965 until his retirement in 2005. He enjoyed the outdoors and could often be found fishing, hunting, or tending to his garden. Denny was also an avid sports fan, especially basketball, and found great joy in watching his children and grandchildren participate in athletics.
Denny was a member of All Saints Catholic Church for 47 years, as well as the Fortunaires Foundation and the Izaak Walton League.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Judy Haefner of Cedar Rapids; his children, Jan (Jeff) Patterson of Fort Worth, Texas, Kirk (Brenda) Haefner of Cedar Rapids, and Jason (Tory) Haefner of Cedar Rapids; ten grandchildren, Amanda Patterson, Ben (Emily) Patterson, Avery Haefner, Madison Haefner, Olivia Haefner, Maxwell Haefner, Charles Haefner, Whitcomb Haefner, Claire Haefner, and Preston Haefner; and one great-grandchild, Rhodes Patterson.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the staff at the View of Marion for their compassionate care and support.