Robert "Bob" Hafeman

Robert “Bob” Hafeman, 90, Algoma, passed away peacefully on March 5th, 2025, with his family by his side. 

Born and raised in Forestville, he spent his days playing sports and working on the family farm. After graduating in 1953, Bob was enlisted in the military where he was stationed in Spokane, Washington.

Returning home, he became an EMT for the Algoma Fire and Rescue and graduated from the Kewaunee Teachers’ College before going to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree and work in post-graduate geological studies. In 1958 Bob began teaching at Luxemburg Elementary, and was Principal at Forestville Victory Elementary School from 1959-1961 before becoming both a teacher and principal in 1964 at East

Twin River Grade School. He then came to work as a science teacher at Algoma Elementary for the next 26 years where he earned the love and respect of his students with his creative and passionate take on learning. Bob was not just a teacher, but a mentor and friend who showed many a good path to success. 

Always a go-getter, Bob put the same amount of passion into sports at Algoma High School where he coached football for 29 years, and track and field for 22 years. Though he loved all sports, his greatest love was basketball, and he coached the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams for 19 years. Never was there a dull moment when Coach Hafeman was on the sidelines; with a fiery personality and loud voice he always had a way of making the crowd enthusiastic and the players dedicated. He took the girls to State in Madison in 1979, 1980, and 1981 where he and his team won the championship. This was one of his greatest accomplishments.

Besides sports and those he mentored, Bob’s friends meant more to him than anything. Bob was always ready to lend a helping hand to those he cared about and did so with unwavering loyalty. He was described as a man who loved to socialize and have fun, always knowing how to get a party going and people smiling. Once retired, Bob spent many summers at one of his favorite places: his cottage in Door County.

He is survived by his wife, Carol “Dolly” Hafeman; three children, Shellie Hafeman, Scot (Eileen) Hafeman, and Karrie (Candace) Hafeman; as well as granddaughter, Kala Hafeman.

He was preceded in death by their daughter, Laurie Hafeman.

The Hafeman family wants to thank the staff at Sycamore Lodge, Unity Hospice, and Algoma Long-term Care for their kindness and care.

Visitation will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Algoma, Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 8:30am until the funeral service at 12:30pm, officiated by Pastor Joel McKenney. Burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery at a different date.

The Schinderle Funeral Home, Algoma, assisted with the arrangements. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Bob maybe shared with his family through his tribute page at www.SchinderleFuneralHome.com.

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