Dennis R. Hafla, 76, passed away on February 17, 2025, at his home in Miles City, Montana, after a short battle with severe pulmonary fibrosis.
Dennis was born at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, Montana on December 24, 1948, the son of Anton & Lydia (Erlenbusch) Hafla. The 4th of 7 children, he was part of a large ranching & farming family with brothers Marvin, Glenn, & Gene, and sisters Shirley, Sharon, & Cheryl. The family grew up on the Hafla homestead in Cohagen and it was here that discipline, responsibility, & hard work were learned and perfected and then passed down to the next generation. A huge yet basic and fundamental life lesson his children carry in their hearts from their dad is “listen and pay attention”. He also taught them to strive to do the best they can at the simplest of things to make life easy and full and it will be something they do forever because of their Dad. It was at the family ranch that he learned to love animals, especially horses. With his mother’s guidance, Dennis also learned valuable veterinary medical procedures that would serve him well later in life when he designed a dressing for the Mayo Clinic that kept Fritzie alive after her surgery. She also taught him one of his favorite hobbies-gardening.
“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 BSB, that is the word of our Lord and thanks be to God
For Dennis, learning and growing was life and equally important was enjoying and having fun doing it. He attended the Hafla School in Cohagen for preschool, elementary school, and middle school with family and neighbors, all a part of it. He then attended Garfield County High School in Jordan. After graduation in 1967, he enrolled at Miles City Junior College and completed 2 years, after which he attended Northern Montana College in Havre pursuing an agriculture degree. After just one quarter, he decided it was “too cold for a boy from Garfield County” and went on to complete a quarter at Dawson Community College in Glendive. Along the way, he held jobs at the Ross/Whiteside farms/ranches, the Tenth Spot, and eventually Beacon Carter working for his Uncle Bob Cremer as a serviceman. He then ventured into a career with the Milwaukee Railroad as a trainman & conductor, enjoying the railroad very much. At the railroad, Dennis met Bill Beever who just happened to be the father of his future wife Fritzie. When the Milwaukee went bankrupt in 1981, he hired on at the Fort Keogh Range Station Nutrition Department where he treasured years of being a cowboy again and really doing one of the many things he was one of a kind at and so very naturally talented at – a horse man. He was also very proud of the surgeries he was able to perform on test animals. It was also at Ft. Keogh that he bought his favorite horse “Lady” as a filly. The two were truly inseparable. They were a great team because they both knew what each other wanted. In 1986, he joined the Montana Highway Department where he started out as a mechanic, then became the roads operator and eventually regional carpenter. After retirement, he was remembered as the person who always got the job done and it was done well.
Dennis came into God’s covenantal love when he met Fritzie Beever in 1971. They were married at the Lutheran Church on September 30, 1972. They were blessed with a son, Galen, in October 1974, and a daughter, Rachel, in January of 1978. Dennis learned the fruit of the spirit from the Holy Spirit’s work in Fritzie: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. It was in raising a family with Fritzie that God’s humanly gift to him was so very evident. He was the most capable person around as there was not a person better at building, repairing, or finding a solution to something. Raising a family with a loving wife made Dennis’ heart whole.
Although Dennis always wanted to be a bronc rider as a kid, he found his passion in breaking colts in his spare time. And he was one of the best around! Dennis was an active member of the Eagles Chapter in Miles City, he also loved the outdoors, enjoying activities like fishing and hunting, especially at the family cabin in Checkerboard. However, one of his favorite pastimes was just sharing a cold one with family and friends and enjoying everyone’s company.
He and Fritzie recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. One of their first life accomplishments as a married couple was building their dream house with Dennis’ brother Marvin. It was meticulously built – Dennis knew exactly how many nails were used in the build. In the summers, he put his love of gardening to use and raised a beautiful garden that every year would yield bushels of delicious vegetables for his family and friends to enjoy.
Dennis cherished his family, especially his grandchildren, and they so loved and cherished their Pa and his love. Gehrig came first and catching the football with passes from Pa and having his Pa listen to his life, a gift God only gives. Then came Isabelle, she being the jewel of Pa’s eye just like her Mom, Rachel. To the very end he loved to watch her dance. After that, it was Delaney who knows how Pa saw her uniqueness and the talents she alone has been given from above. The two youngest, Rhian and Oaklie and their spit fire personalities made Pa smile and hug them as well. His advice for his grandchildren was simple: Life is a journey. Work hard but play hard. And remember that Nanny and Pa will always be there as your guardian angels to help guide you and keep you safe. In retirement, Dennis also enjoyed being a guardian angel for the kids at Garfield School.
The mortal side of eternity, Dennis has his son Galen and his wife Lauren Hafla, daughter Rachel and her husband Russell Nemetz; grandchildren Gehrig, Delaney, and Rhian Hafla plus Isabelle and Oaklie Nemetz.
He will be remembered as a person who always put others first and for being an amazing Dad and Pa.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral Services will be performed for both Dennis and Fritzie Hafla, including their Boston Terrier Zeke’s ashes, on March 29, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of Custer County Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the graveside service at The Parlor.
“Jesus answered, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 BSB, that is the word of our Lord and thanks be to God
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday March 28, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday March 29, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Immediately Following the Funeral Service
Saturday March 29, 2025
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following the Interment
Saturday March 29, 2025
The Parlor
1806 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday March 28, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday March 29, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Immediately Following the Funeral Service
Saturday March 29, 2025
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following the Interment
Saturday March 29, 2025
The Parlor
1806 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Michael Brabant says
Just chatted with him last week , neat man to chat with , , rest in peace.
Denise and Jay Harvey says
We are so very sorry. Our thoughts are with you all. Your mom and dad will be missed by many.
Kennedy Jens says
So sorry to hear. My condolences to you and yours.
Diane Welbes says
Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Tom and Kathy Wankel says
Our deepest condolences for Dennis’s family. We have been Dennis’s (and Fritzi’s) neighbors for years in Miles City and had many good visits as Dennis’s would go by walking the dog or heading down to take care of the “pasture”. So hard to lose a parent! Sending prayers for strength and peace!
James Arneson says
My deepest condolences to you and your family. May God bless you with the best of memories now and always.
Martha Crandall says
my sympathy
Janice and Ervin Laib says
Very sad to see this Dennis had become a good friend always stopped by to see if we needed anything and always shared his garden Prayers for family and he will be missed RIP Dennis
Lori Clark says
Sad to see you are gone from here. But I know your wife is there by your side. Was so good to see you again. Rest easy my friend.
John Munsell says
Dennis and I have visited numerous times since Fritzi passed. He was always more concerned about me than his own medical condition, thinking about others rather than focusing on himself. Invited him over for supper last week, but he said he just wasn’t feeling well enough. In spite of his health, he had stimulating conversations, and was a pleasure to visit with. Will miss him.
Jayne Davis says
So sorry to hear about your loss Galen and Rachel. Sending prayers and thoughts to you.
Mark and Jill List says
None finer and the likes of which will not be seen again.
Kathy Ugrin says
Dear Galen,
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Greg and Kathy Ugrin
Randy stanhope says
So sorry to hear about Dennis prayers to the family in this difficult time🙏
Kevin Malley says
I remember Dennis when he worked at the Beacon Carter in the late 60’s. We used to drag race up on the quarter mile on the Kinsey Flats. He had a Dodge 440 R/T with a automatic and I had a Ford Fairlane 390 with a 4 speed. I could get him out of the whole but by the time I hit 3rd gear he was going by. Good times. You beat me one last time. Say hi to Jesus, I’ll be there when I hit 4th gear. God Bless. RIP.
Diane Peanuts Money says
Dennis was a very kind man-he will be missed!
Doug And Diane Ellingson says
So sorry to hear about your loss Galen, Rachel and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Joyce A Vera says
Dear Galen and Rachel,
I’m so sorry to hear of Dad passing. I lived in the neighborhood for alot of my life and always admired your folks’ yard and property. I would visit with both when they were walking the dogs, or when I walked Mallorey to school at Garfield. They were GREAT People. Both you and Rachel have followed in their footsteps of being great individuals. Lots of good memories of you in Music!! Take Care.
Joyce Vera
Kevin Donnelly says
Worked with Dennis at Fort Keogh. Always liked visiting with him the Milwaukee and Fort Keogh test animals.
He always treated me good. Sorry to hear of your loss
May God be with him and the family.
Beth McCoy says
We moved in next door to Dennis and Fritz in 2010 with a 3 and 1 year old. He watched my boys grow up over the years. Dennis would come over with bountiful gifts from his garden harvest. My son ran his bicycle into Dennis’s truck once and we walked hand in hand over to let Dennis know. He was more than forgiving and my boys enjoyed many years after that stopping by and getting “full sized” candy bars at Halloween. Sure, some will remember Dennis and his particular ways, he kept his house and yard up so nice. I will remember him for teaching us that elders deserve to be treated with respect. We will miss Dennis and Fritzy both.
Carrie and Joe Ugrin says
We love you guys! We thought so much of both of your parents. We will miss both of them. Your dad has a special place in my heart for helping my Grandma Shirley when she got in her wreck. He had a kind heart and both Joe and I will miss visiting with him.
Evelyn Neary says
So sorry for your loss. Heaven has gained another good soul.
Kelly Draper says
Sorry to hear of Dennis’s passing. As an MDT coworker and an adjacent pasture owner, I enjoyed our conversations griping about every day life, and laughing about it. May you rest in peace
Lorretta Rebsom Stein says
Galen &Rachel, You did an amazing job on your mom and dad’s obituaries. The love you shared with each other was very obvious in your lives. Great job! Keep the beautiful memories by sharing with your loved ones. You had amazing parents and it shows in both of you. God’s blessings on you and yours. Lotza love.
Rachel Nemetz says
Dad words can’t describe the saddest I have inside of me. I’m trying so hard to be strong and tough like you have always taught me. But losing you and Mom is breaking me. You were always the strongest man in my life and always were there to protect us. This is what breaks my heart the most. I love reading what people have wrote about both you and Mom… I miss picking up the phone everyday calling and checking in and having the girls video call your Alexa to say goodnight. Izzy and Oaklie miss you both dearly. Holidays will not be the same and your chair will still be open for you to join us. Thank you for all you’ve done for our family… Never goodbye but see you later.
Galen Hafla says
Dad, I thank God for you being my Dad. You are a huge reason for me turning to Christ. Jesus, thank you Lord for my Dad and I know now he fully knows our Heavenly Father’s love letter below. Dad, I will see you and Mom very soon.. when God decides and love you, your son
My Child,
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1 I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2 I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3 Even the very hairs on your headare numbered. Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28 For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28 I knew you even before you were conceived.Jeremiah 1:4-5 I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where youwould live. Acts 17:26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6 I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me. John 8:41-44 I am not distant and angry, but am the completeexpression of love. 1 John 4:16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1 Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33 My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalm 139:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40 For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5 I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41 And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3 If you seek me with all your heart,you will find me.Deuteronomy 4:29 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20 For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18 As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4 And I’ll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23 For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3 He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10 I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you frommy love again. Romans 8:38-39 Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7 I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15My question is… Will you be my child? John 1:12-13I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32
Love Your Dad… Almighty God
Val Schwindt says
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I have find memories of you two’s Dad.
Vicki Larson says
Dear Galen and Rachel,
I adored both Fritzi and Dennis, and I know losing them both so close together must be unbearably painful. I enjoyed getting to know them, and I know they’re happy and pain free together in Eternity. May God Bless you and your families during this time, and beyond.
Love Always,
Vicki (Haynes) Larson