Terrence Ralph Haefner

Terrence “Terry” Haefner passed peacefully, surrounded by family on November 27, 2025, after courageously fighting multiple medical conditions.

He was born on July 26, 1942, in Owatonna, MN, but was raised in Mankato where he spent much of his life until moving to Madelia, MN, ten years ago. At the age of eighteen months, he contracted encephalitis which caused paralysis and required extensive hospitalization. The illness left him with a speech impediment and diminished fine motor skills. Despite these challenges he graduated from Loyola High School in 1960 and Mankato Commercial College in 1962. Terry worked incredibly hard in multiple physically demanding jobs, and he was a true role model of commitment, perseverance, and strong work ethic for his family.

Terry’s Catholic faith provided the foundation for how he lived his life and faced challenges. Despite hard times, he was always willing to help others and tried to hold onto a positive attitude. He became a Eucharistic minister, providing communion to many in the community who were unable to attend mass in person. He was a dedicated participant and often a leader of Bible Study Fellowship groups as well as a teacher of faith formation classes at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Mankato. As part of his faith, he spread the love of God that he personally manifested in so many ways. An avid reader and book collector, Terry volunteered at the North Mankato Taylor Library after retirement and served as a foster grandparent in the Mankato Area Public Schools.

A devoted father and grandfather, he loved spending time with his family, including attending concerts that showed his appreciation of highly diverse musical genres, MN Wild Hockey Games, and Indianapolis 500 races. Closer to home, he loved playing video games, golfing, and challenging others playing chess and cribbage.

Terry and his family greatly appreciated the many compassionate and skilled caregivers who treated him with such respect and compassion in his last years, months, and days.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 58 years, Polly (Faerber, originally of New Ulm); and children, Ralph and Kim Haefner, Rebecca and Bryan Moore, and Rachel Lee. He deeply loved his grandchildren, Linnea and husband Jake, Terry, Aaron, and Anna, and loved to watch them excel in all their endeavors. Terry’s love of family shone through last summer when he rallied his energy to attend Linnea’s wedding the same day he was discharged from one of his many hospitalizations in recent years. The strength of his love for his wife and children, and then his grandchildren, was beyond measure and he will be missed by them with that same intensity.

The family asks those wishing to remember Terry do so through a contribution to the North Mankato Taylor Library or a favorite charity helping continue his spirit of generosity and love of community.

Mass will be held at 11am, Saturday, December 6, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Mankato.