DWAYNE HAEFFNER was born March 4, 1938, to Paul and Martha (Auston) Haeffner in Summersville, Missouri. He passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2008, at his home surrounded by his children and companion, Barb. He fought a valiant battle against cancer.

Dwayne moved to Nebraska at the age of eleven and attended Deman School in Decatur and then Decatur High School, where he graduated in 1956. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956 until 1958, and was stationed in Korea. In May 1959, Dwayne married Marcia Randlet. They had three children:  Sherri, Brad and Susan.

Dwayne held a variety of jobs during his life and was considered a jack-of-all-trades. He worked in manufacturing, owned restaurant businesses, and was a cook at the Green Lantern Restaurant for many years. He enjoyed cooking and eating and the company of customers and friends. For the past several years, he worked at the bridge, where he offered a “thumbs-up” to many travelers and a kind word of encouragement to casino goers.

Dwayne was a member of the Decatur Fire Department for many years, during which time he held the position of Fire Chief. He loved attending the fish fries and dances at the Fire Hall. He also supported the Decatur Booster Club and enjoyed the many activities they sponsored.

Fishing was an important part of Dwayne’s life. He loved to fish in any location; a hobby he has passed down to his grandsons. He was proud of his boat and loved taking it out on the river. Nebraska football was another favorite past-time. The Husker’s never failed to excite him, win or lose. Winning was always preferred!

One of Dwayne’s favorite things to do was to talk with family and friends. Dwayne spent a lot of time caring for his mother-in-law, Mildred Gitthens. They had a special relationship, as he was the son she never had, and loved him very much. Dwayne visited Florida many times to see children, Susan and Brad and Susan’s daughter, Nicole. He loved to eat all kinds of seafood while there. He also spent many weekends and holidays with Sherri, Dale and their children, Micah, Sam and Luke. He also had a special relationship with Brad’s son, Phillip Forrester, who lives in Decatur. Dwayne spent the last 5 ½ years with Barb Maslonka. She became the most important person in his life. They had a very loving relationship that grew stronger as the years went by. Her care and devotion were evident the past six months of his life, when she became his main caretaker. Dwayne enjoyed Barb’s daughters and their spouses: Leanne and Duain Zila, Teresa and Brian Loofe, Andrea and Lyndon Klug. He loved to play cards with Barb’s sons-in-law and was always trying to whip them. Barb’s grandchildren also had a special bond with Dwayne. They all had many good times together.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister: Joann French.

Survivors include: Barb Maslonka; daughters and son-in-law: Sherri and Dale Nielsen of Brainard, Nebraska, Susan Fox of Deltona, Florida; son: Brad and his fiancé, Karen Cornell, of DeBary, Florida; brother and sister-in-law: Don and Myrt Haeffner of Decatur; brother-in-law: Larry French of Decatur; five grandchildren: Phillip Forrester, Micah, Sam and Luke Nielsen, Nicole Young; great grandchild: Jayda Britton; many nieces and nephews.

Dwayne was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday, October 1, 2008, 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Decatur.

BURIAL: Hillcrest Cemetery with Military Honors by VFW Gleason-Rogers Post No. 6926 and American Legion Rogers-Crum Post No. 215

VISITATION: Tuesday, September 30, 2008, 1 - 8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6 - 8 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Home in Tekamah. Visitation will also be held Wednesday at the church one hour prior to the service.

MEMORIALS: To the Family