Vincent Anthony Hafner, age 53, of Spearfish, SD, died February 21, 2015, in Rochester, Minnesota, as a result of cancer.

Vincent Hafner was born April 25, 1961, in Rapid City SD, the youngest of nine children born to Vernon and Marjorie (Thomson) Hafner. He grew up in Newell SD and graduated from Newell High School in 1979. While in school, Vince was active in many activities, but especially excelled in football and track. He was Homecoming King and was given the Newell HS Outstanding Senior Athlete award.

Over the course of his life, Vince worked in many diverse settings. For several years he worked for Wharf Mines before returning to school and graduating with a degree in special education from Black Hills State University. Vince was committed to helping children with special needs and was employed in several educational environments. These included Black Hills Children's Home in Custer, Black Hills Special Services in Belle Fourche, and the Takini and Rapid City school districts. Vince then became a stay-at-home father for several years until his youngest two children reached school age. Most recently he was employed with the Spearfish School system. Vince also worked summers for the Spearfish Canyon Country Club, where he enjoyed his time in the outdoors and being associated with his favorite sport - golf. Both at school and on the golf course, Vincent appreciated and cherished his relationship with his supervisors and fellow employees and the kindness they extended to him in so many different ways.

Vince was a committed and loving father and was the primary care provider for his four children, Joshua born in 1982, Cody in 1988, Matthias in 2005 and Magdalene in 2006. He especially wanted to thank all those who assisted him during his illness and those who stepped up to help with his younger children.

Vincent is survived by his mother, Marjorie Hafner, Newell, SD, and his four beloved children: Joshua Hafner, Spearfish SD, Cody Hafner, Bismarck ND, Matthias Hafner and Magdalene Hafner, both at home, and four grandchildren: Payton Hafner, Brynlie Hafner, Jaelynn Hafner, and Destin Hafner. He is also survived by two brothers, Daniel (Becki) Hafner of Rapid City, SD, and Edwin (Alanson) Hafner of Littleton, CO; four sisters: JoAnn (Ken) Michniewicz, South Elgin IL, Gail (Stephen) Goheen, Hamilton MT, Beverly (Ken) Eide, Nisland SD, and Valerie (Steven) Thomas, Tetonia ID, and one brother-in-law, Thomas Dalsaso of Colorado Springs CO. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and their children.

Vincent was preceded in death by his father, Vern Hafner, in 1974, an infant brother, Edward, in 1941, his oldest sister, Rosemary, in 2012, and nephew Matt Phifer, 2008.

Rosary services will be held Thursday evening February 26th, at 5:30 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Spearfish SD (844 North 5th St). A funeral mass will be held for Vincent at St. Joseph's Church in Spearfish at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 27, with a reception immediately following at the church hall. Internment will take place on Saturday, February 28th, at 10:00 a.m. at the Hope Cemetery in Newell. A memorial has been established for the education of his younger children at the First National Bank in Newell, SD.

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