Fred H. Hafner

Hafner, Fred H.
Fred H. Hafner, formerly of Edina and Plymouth, MN, died peacefully after a brief illness on July 2, 2014, in Sun City West, AZ, at the age of 102. The cause of death was renal failure. Frederick Henry Bergholz Hafner was born on April 22, 1912, in Buffalo, NY, to Henry Hafner and Marion Bergholz Hafner. He graduated from the University of Buffalo, where he majored in food chemistry and met his beloved wife Dolores. They married in 1937 in Minneapolis, shortly after Fred was transferred there by his employer, Archer Daniels Midland. Fred spent most of his professional career at General Mills, where he collaborated with doctors from the Mayo Clinic to develop a cookbook for people with metabolic deficiencies, renal disease, and gluten intolerance. He also directed the improvement and distribution of Multi-Purpose Food (MPF), a high protein soy product that could be added to the diet of malnourished people in developing countries. He retired in 1976 and moved permanently to Sun City West in 1981. He and Dolores were very active in church life, both at the First Baptist Church in Minneapolis and at Bellevue Heights Church in Sun City. They celebrated their 71st anniversary before her death in 2008. Fred was a devoted golfer, playing into his nineties, an accomplished amateur astronomer who built his own backyard telescope, and a loyal Rotarian who continued to attend weekly meetings. In his later years he was a popular karaoke singer, performing weekly at two different venues. His signature tune was "Young at Heart". Fred is survived by daughters Georgia Windhorst (Peter) of Menlo Park, CA, and Virginia Primus of McLean, VA; grandsons Craig (Christine) and Bradley (Krystie) Primus; step grandchildren Kimberly Hofstra (Brian) and Tim Primus (Polly); and three great grandchildren and five step great grandchildren. He also leaves behind a group of devoted caregivers to whom the family is very grateful. A memorial service will be held at Bellevue Heights Church, 9440 W. Hutton Dr., Sun City, AZ 85351, on Saturday, July 12th, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Bellevue Heights Church or their radio ministry.