Marjorie loved life, accepting and embracing all that was sent her way, even when it hurt. She was a very religious woman and worked hard to live the lessons she learned from her Bible and church, St. Mary's Catholic Church. She was unpretentious and fun. She took special joy in getting to know everyone she encountered; each person had a unique story and value, which Marjorie very much appreciated. She listened, a rare talent these days. Perhaps that goes to the heart of why she was so loved by all who came to know her, family, friends, and those she dealt with in almost any capacity.

Marjorie was born to William and Forbes Thomson on March 24, 1921 in Newcastle, WY, along with her beloved twin sister, Marian. The twins joined their two-year-old brother Keith, who grew up to become a three-term U.S. House representative from Wyoming and Senator elect. The family would add another brother, Billy, seven years after the twins. Marjorie lived briefly in Beulah, WY, where her father was a flour miller. The family then moved to Spearfish, where Marjorie's father operated a gas station, and it was in Spearfish where Marjorie spent the next sixteen years. Marjorie graduated as valedictorian of her high school class in 1938, followed by a year at (then) Black Hills Teacher's College. She married Vernon Hafner in Lead, SD, in 1939. Together they would have nine children, spending most of their married life in Newell, where Vern had been born and raised, and worked as a wool broker, following World War II. Vern died in 1974. Marjorie continued to live in the family home, which they had built in 1948, until just three months before her death.

Marjorie spent much of her life raising her children, and helping with her grandchildren. She absolutely loved children. Even in her later years, she kept up with the details in the lives of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she was "grand central station" in terms of keeping all family members advised about the most recent goings-on in each other's lives.

Marjorie was a great cook, especially good at bread, rolls, donuts, and sweets in general. Growing up during the depression, she spent a lot of her summers on Beaver Creek at the Thomson family ranch near Newcastle, where she grew to love fresh eggs, butter, cream and other yummy foods. Marjorie hated to see anything go to waste and would often eat the leftovers on the children's plates rather than throw them away. She spoke fondly of the neighborly sharing and comradery during those depression days, "when everyone was poor."

Marjorie worked hard keeping house and doing all the tasks that a busy family brings, as well as focusing on religious activities. She also cared for her ill mother for several years. She and Vern put special value on education, and all of their children went to college or obtained higher degrees. In her spare time, Marjorie was involved in altar ociety, her "coffee club" (about 60 years), and loved to play bridge and other card games. She also enjoyed visiting with everyone, and kept in touch with all her family. The annual family reunion held each year at Camp Bob Marshall in the Black Hills always resulted in a big turnout (often up to 80 strong) from across the country (and sometimes even farther). Marjorie was the hub of this family wheel, and taught us all what family means.

Marjorie JoAnna (Thomson) Hafner of Newell, S.D., left this world at the age of 94, on the afternoon of November 18, 2015, while playing cards (a hobby she much enjoyed) with a friend. Up until the moments before her death, she was upbeat, sharp and engaged, aware of everything around her, whether at a personal level (with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren) or even on a worldwide scale (she was knowledgeable about almost any current event).

Survivors include her children: JoAnn (Ken) Michniewicz of South Elgin, Ill.; Daniel (Becki) Hafner of Rapid City, S.D.; Gail (Stephen) Goheen of Corvallis, Mont.; Beverly (Ken) Eide of Nisland, S.D.; Edwin (Alanson) Hafner of Littleton, Colo.; and Valerie (Stephen) Thomas of Tetonia, Idaho. Marjorie also leaves behind over more than 30 grandchildren and step grandchildren, and over 30 great grandchildren, who are too numerous to name.

Marjorie was preceded in death by so many she loved, including: her parents; her husband Vern; her brother and sister-in-law Keith and Thyra Thomson; her brother, Bill Thomson; her twin sister Marian Conway; her son Edward (at birth); in 2012, her daughter, Rosemary (Tom) Dalsaso; earlier this year, her son Vincent Hafner; her daughter-in-law Mary in 2006; and, in 2008 her grandson, Matthew Phifer.

Marjorie was so grateful for the compassion and care she received over the final few months of her life at Fountain Springs Community Health Care in Rapid City, as well as her doctors Samuel Durr and Kevin Weiland.

Thank you Marjorie for sharing so graciously your life well lived! We love you and know you have moved on to an even better place.

A rosary service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, November 19, 2015 at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church, with viewing one hour prior.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 20, 2015 at St. Mary's Statr of the Sea with Msgr. Michael Woster officiating, Burial will follow at the Hope Cemetery in Newell, SD.

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