Jack L. Hafemann

Jack L. Hafemann (Jan 21, 1932 Feb 4, 2014) lived a full, interesting and productive life, never afraid to try something new in a new place out of a sense of adventure. Jack was born and raised on Lake Winnebago in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He married his high school sweetheart, Virginia ("Gin") Froemming, on Valentine's Day. They shared life together for ten days short of 61 years. After serving in the Air Force as a military policeman, Jack's successful, first career with Goodyear Tire Company took them around the Midwest, making their most important home during this time in Winona, MN. Following a life-long dream, he courageously left the business world and big city life of the Chicago suburbs in mid-life to start his own business in remote, northern Minnesota, where, together with his wife, they developed a thriving marina on the shores of Lake Vermillion, J/G Marine, which was known for the quality of its unique service, friendly atmosphere, and loyal clientele. In "retirement" (he always found work to do wherever they lived, keeping his last part-time job until he battle with cancer would not allow him to continue on), Jack continued his life-long love of the water by establishing homes on the St John's river and coastal waters of Florida (even living on a boat!), on Lake Chituge in Hiawassee, GA, and finally on the Atchafalaya River Basin in Butte LaRose, LA. Besides his work, Jack loved boating, landscaping, and living in the country. He maintained like a "golf-course" the extensive landscapes he created for the three distinctive homes he had built: in the country-side of Illinois, on the top of a mountain in Georgia, and on the river in Louisiana. He was a life-long and devoted "Packer-backer." He owned interesting vehicles, from old jeeps to golf carts and scooters, and different kinds of boats, large and small, from fishing boats to pontoons and cruisers. He always had a dog at his side or on his lap. He made friends wherever he lived. Jack was involved in many civic and business affairs in the places they have lived, and in the church in his later life. Throughout their lives, he and Gin also enjoyed camping together, whether in a tent in their younger years or in their motor home in later times. Known for his strength of character, will power, hard work, and "taking great care of everything he owned," Jack was a loving and devoted husband and father. Jack is survived by his "first love," Gin, his brother, Gordon, his two sons and their wives (Scott and Debara and Mark and Debra), four grandchildren and their spouses, and one great-grandson. A celebration of his life will take place next summer in Oshkosh, WI. Pellerin Funeral Home (337.332.2111) is in charge of arrangements. To view on-line obituary and sign guestbook go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com