Shirley R. Hafer

Shirley Rae (Robare) Hafer was born to Gordon L. Robare and Julia R. (Kamler) Robare on May 20, 1955 at the Geneva Hospital in Geneva, Nebraska, and passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025 at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska, at the age of 70 years old. She was one of three children in the family. Shirley spent most of her childhood in Geneva, Nebraska. She babysat and worked at the sale barn on Saturdays where she often found herself in trouble with her friend, Marla. During high school, she was active in PEP Club, Girls Athletic Association and Chorus. She graduated from Geneva High School in 1974. It was in high school where she started dating the love of her life, Bruce Hafer. After high school, Shirley began her college career at the Lincoln School of Commerce in Lincoln, Nebraska. Here she met her lifelong friend, Lorraine. Fred and Lorraine quickly became family. On June 4, 1976, Bruce and Shirley were united in marriage at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Geneva, Nebraska, and were blessed with three children. They started their life on the farm near Turkey Creek and then moved into town. The majority of her work life was spent at the Fillmore County Courthouse where she worked in the Treasurer’s Office. She enjoyed seeing everyone throughout the county and this was hard for her when she first fell ill. She unfortunately was forced to retire in 2010. Over the next 15 years, Shirley’s health continued to be a rollercoaster, but she was a fighter. She never once complained about the hand she was dealt. She took it in stride, and she still managed to care for everyone else. Cooking was her love language. Whether you wanted a meal or not, she would have her oven running. It didn’t matter what time of day or night she was always ready. She never let her health stop her from making a pan of cinnamon rolls or a “small pan” of corn casserole. Her family was her pride and joy. Although she always said, “I love you all the same,” the family often joked that Michael was her favorite. Michael was Shirley’s righthand man. He was her “Bud.” She was so fortunate to have her firstborn take her to every doctor’s appointment, on countless shopping sprees, run her errands and be her primary caretaker for the past 15 years. Shirley’s house was always full. It was full of love, laughter and grandkids. Her grandkids were her “three babies.” In the eyes of Grandma, they could do nothing wrong and have whatever snacks they wanted. There were no rules at Grandma’s. According to Daxton, her one rule was “to have fun!” There was never anything to get done when the grandkids were present. They had her full attention, and she loved them with every ounce of her being. In 2020 Shirley received the best gift. She received the generous donation of a kidney from Matthew L. She was extremely grateful for his gift. Thanks to him and his family, she was able to spend another five years with her family. That is something Shirley, Bruce and her kids never took for granted. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; father and mother-in-law, Orville and Darlene Hafer; her dear friend, Fred Pozehl; nephew, Ryan Lauenstein; niece, Carrie Koves; brother-in-law, Richard Hafer; sisters-in-law, Sondra, Barb and Roxann Hafer. Shirley is survived by her husband of 49 years, Bruce Hafer; her children, Michael Hafer, Stacy (Paul) Filipi, and Julia (Todd) Bruns and her grandchildren, Emma and Easton Bruns and Daxton Filipi; her sister, Marla (Jerry)Messman; her brother, Richard (Corrine) Robare; brothers-in-law, Don Hafer, Doug Hafer, Brian (Brenda) Hafer; sister-in-law, Susan (Richard) Lessert; and countless nieces, nephews and many other close friends who were more like family. A Funeral Service for Shirley was held on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Geneva, Nebraska. Pastor Karissa Miller & Kim Dunker presided over the Funeral Service. Melissa Houchin was the organist and she accompanied the congregation in the singing of “Amazing Grace.” Karl Brinkman was the guitarist and solist and he performed “On Eagle’s Wings” and “What A Wonderful World.” The recorded selection “Go Rest High” was played at the conclusion of the Funeral Service. Pallbearers included Todd Bruns, Paul Filipi, Jarrett Galusha, Jack Galusha, Spencer Hafer, and Ryan Hafer. Honorary Pallbearers included Emma Bruns, Easton Bruns, and Daxton Filipi. A Graveside Service was held in the Geneva Public Cemetery following the Funeral Service. Farmer & Son Funeral Home was in care of the arrangements and online condolences can be left at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

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Shirley R. Hafer

May 20, 1955 - August 19, 2025