FRITZIE HAFLA
“Nanny”
Fritzie Hafla, age 80, of Miles City, MT passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at the Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City.
Fritzie was born at the Musselshell Valley Hospital in Roundup, Montana on July 8, 1944, the daughter of William & Isabelle Beever. Fritzie was preceded in birth by her sister Billie Lou Walker. Family was rich and strong with both Beever side (Dad) and Charlton side (Mom). Freida Shelhamer, Fritzie’s namesake and Grandmother, came to live with her in Miles City at the end of her life and was heavily involved with Fritzie’s family and kids. Grandpa Beever, who lived in Missoula, was always visiting, and gave us all fun University of Montana Grizzlies gear in the 1990’s (Go Griz). Fritzie’s strong unconditional family heart still grows today. “So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27, that is the word of our Lord and thanks be to God
Fritzie lived well growing up and starting her adult life. She attended school in Miles City, graduating High School at Custer County High. She was active in numerous activities and had so many cherished friendships. Fritzie began working in Billings and we know she is having fun in heaven now with her former boss Bob Loveless. She moved back to Miles City where she worked at Rowland & Thomas, wonderful lifelong friendship with Marjorie Pontius; Rowland Lumber, thank you for all the support in the early 80’s. Eventually Fritzie went back to college at Miles Community and got her Registered Nursing license working at Holy Rosary Hospital, 5th floor nurse, Custer County Health Department Family Planning Director, and the Miles City Vision Clinic, thank you Jim and Karen Elliot for loving us and being a part of our family and making us a part of yours. “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1 Corinthians 13:7, that is the word of our Lord and thanks be to God
Fritzie met the love of her life, Dennis Hafla, in 1971. They were married at the Lutheran Church on September 30, 1972. A son, Galen was born to them in October of 1974. As Dennis worked at the Milwaukee Railroad, they lived at Slick and Helen Keithley’s house on Woodbury St in an upstairs apartment. During this time, they built from the ground up their current residence across from the Garfield School on Milwaukee St. During construction, Dennis and Fritzie worked hand in hand with the best skilled building help around-Dennis’s brother Marvin Hafla. A daughter’s birth, Rachel, then blessed the house in January of 1978. Dennis and Fritzie were very thoughtful in selecting godparents for their kids, Curt and Irene Strom and Howard and Carol Syring, relationships that boosted and supported the family always. “We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19, that is the word of our Lord and thanks be to God
Fritzie’s heartbeat was always for her family and raising her kids. Working and supporting the income for the house was always daily. At home, she was an excellent cook and always prepared three meals a day that most 5-star restaurants could not match. Everyone loved her meals; especially Galen and Rachel’s friends (Michael Monaghan on prime rib memory/Joe Ugrin on pork chop meal gravy/Ryan Rebsom on lunch trades at Garfield School). She was also a big supporter of daily school, extracurricular activities and sports for strong and unrelenting devotion to the growth and development of her children. Some of her favorites were Scottish dancing, thank you for the friendship Glenn and Katie Hageman, and swim team – Go Beach Bums and the love she shared with David Laird for all of that. We only knew “can” when it came to doing things and she flat removed “can’t” any time it came up. She was also a dedicated member to the Eastern Star Ladies Chapter here in Miles City. “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love” 1 John 4:18, that is the word of our Lord and thanks be to God
Fritzie’s love of her children continued into her later years in life when she was blessed with her grandchildren. She was proud of her family, and she loved them all. And they loved their Nanny too. “but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”” Matthew 19:14, that is the word of our Lord and thanks be to God
The mortal side of eternity, Fritzie has her husband Dennis, son Galen and his wife Lauren Hafla, daughter Rachel and her husband Russell Nemetz, and grandchildren Gehrig, Delaney, Rhian Hafla and Isabelle & Oaklie Nemetz. Jesus, thank you for your love and life in our mom, Fritzie. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7, that is the word of our Lord and thanks be to God
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 be held at the Parlor.
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
Beverly McDowell Harris says
Oh Fritzie, you fought such a hard battle. I’ll always remember when you took me to work one night back in the 60’s where I got to see the Rowland & Thomas HUGE ‘computer’ processing bank statements….with boxes and boxes of punch cards that you had to load into the machine so it could sort them. It took up the whole 3rd floor. Now you can join Izzy and my mom, Eileen for their bs sessions.
Kennedy Jens says
Galen and family… my deepest sympathy and condolences. I hadn’t seen Fritzie in probably 20 years, but we were friends on Facebook, and she’d like pretty much every photo I’d share. I have very fond memories of her growing up. Again, so sorry.
Denise and Jay Harvey says
We are so very sorry to hear about Fritzie. She was a kind and carIng soul. Our hearts are with you all.
Cheryl Smutt says
I am so sorry for your loss.
Diane Welbes says
So sorry to hear–she Has been such a trouper. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Dennis and family, Our deepest sympathy at your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
James Arneson says
I am so sorry to hear about Fritzie passing away. I always enjoyed seeing her over the years when I worked for the school district. May God bless you and comfort you now and always.
Jared Bankey says
Galen and family. My sympathy and condolences to the family. I have fond memories of Fritz during our swimming team days and throughout the years. You will be in my thoughts.
Connie and Ron Watts says
So sorry for the loss of such a fun and pleasant lady!!
Greg and Kathy Ugrin says
Galen,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.🙏
Jack and Flavia Morgan says
I have fond memories of Fritzie while growing up. Family get together at Checker Board. She taught me to do the twist. Even though I haven’t been able to get over to see her in probably over 30 years she has always been in our prayers and thoughts.
Vicki Larson says
Galen and Rachel, I am so very sorry to hear about Fritzie’s passing, and I wish I could be there to pay last respects to her. I loved getting to know her and we shared some very funny times together! I also loved seeing her when I came home. May you and your family find peace and comfort.
Love, Vicki Larson (Haynes)
Emma Morrison says
Cindy and family, I am sorry to hear about Fritzie. I met her over 30 years ago when I first moved to Miles City…back when she worked for the Custer County Health Dept. I always enjoyed my visits with her.
Jim Thompson says
So sorry to hear of Fritzie passing. We grew up together in Miles City and had many great times dating, dancing, drinking and just having fun. She was a wonderful person and she will be missed. My condolences to the family and friends. Rest in peace my friend.
Hazel Parker says
May you rest in peace now Fritize you fought a hard battle. Will hold the memories of Burns celebrations and Scotch dancing we shared. Hugs for your family
Evelyn Neary says
So sorry for your loss.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
Dennis,Galen, Rachel So sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayer are with you.
Scott and Sue Jens says
Galen, Rachel, and family, so very sorry to hear of the your mother’s passing. So you a sweet and easy talk to lady. If it wasn’t for your mother, finding my high blood pressure on a routine exam, I wouldn’t be here today. We will all miss her dearly. Sending our prayers,and condolences to you all.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
To all of Fritzie’s family & friends,
My sincerest sympathy to you all😥
carol watts says
So sorry for your loss, love and prayers, Carol Watts
Marlys Burkett says
Condolences go out to Dennis,Galen, Rachel and families.Thinking of you all. Ron and Marlys.
Laurie Claypool says
Dennis and family, so sorry to hear about the loss of your wife, mother, grandmother, Fritzie! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time,
Laurie and Duane Claypool
Linda Hodgson says
RIP Fritzie you fought a long hard battle. Now you are at peace. Fly high my friend.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Dennis and Family,
We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family on your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Galen Hafla says
Mom, I am writing your obituary today and will send off to Rachel for her edit and she will send to Stevenson and Son. I am crying tears of joy. I have been listening nonstop to “I can only Imagine” and speaking with Jesus the whole time. I am crying tears of joy. You and I know, there is never a minute we don’t think of one another and now we have to do that on both sides of eternity, thank you Jesus for your Kingdom. I am crying tears of joy and I now am learning for the very first time what joy is, thank you Jesus and Lord I repent, fill me with your Holy Spirit and thank you for the gift of my Mom who overflows me with Life, with You. Praise you Jesus.
Mary Luhr says
I got to know Fritzie when we figured out my husband and I had bought her childhood home at 218 N Custer. I saw her many times at HRH and she would always remind me of it. It was great to know her – she made me laugh. Prayers to her family and friends.
Tim & Cheri Hafla says
Dennis and Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all. Try to remember all he good times, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Katie and Glenn Hageman says
Dennis, Galen, Rachel and families: we are saddened to hear of Fritzie’s passing. She loved her family unconditionally. A wonderful nurse who took care of my Dad in his last hours. My parents always said and remembered Fritzie Beaver as being the best Scottish dancer. We were friends and co-workers during our kids growing up years. She will be known as a great Mom, Nurse, Friend. Lots of fond memories to carry all through. Rest in Peace Fritz💕
Pauline Chamberlin says
Fritzie, Fly high with the Angels. My sympathy to her family. We worked together many years ago at the old Holy Rosary hospital. What a fun person and great
nurse colleague.
Gene and Connie says
Remember times growing up with FRITZIE and the Beaver family living on McKenzie Street. Fritzie had alot of spunk then and it would stay with her into adulthood. I believe that is got her throughout some of the worst times, along with her guardian DENNIS and family. Remembering some of our visits DENNIS take care of yourself DENNIS. RIP FRITZIE. Our Prayers and condolences DENNIS, Galen and RACHEL
Tom and Kathy Wankel says
To Dennis and all of Fritzi’s family…So sorry to hear that Fritzi has passed. May God lift you up and give you strength. And make knowing that so many friends care, give you comfort.
Lorretta Rebsom Stein says
Oh my if one could put in words all the wonderful, encouraging, and enlightening things Fritzie did for family and friends. She was a fighter indeed for the good of all. I love all the scripture references you, son Galen and daughter Rachel have shared in the obituary, certainly makes you proud knowing the love you share and some day you will be reunited. God’s blessings on you all. Loves and kisses. John 10:10 The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.
Robyn Barthelmess says
My deepest condolences to Fritzie’s family.
Fritzie was my first Scottish Highland Dance teacher when I was 6 years old. Even as a child I knew she was a delightful person to be around. We not only learned to dance, we learned to have fun while doing it. Thank you Fritzie for the lovely memories that I still cherish today (63 years later). May the Lord Bless and Keep you. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Alvin Huck says
On behalf of the Gordon Charlton family, who passed away in 2022, I would like to extend heartfelt condolences to Fritzie’s family. I’m sure Gordon was waiting in heaven to give Fritzie a big hug.
Jackie Duncan Zawada says
Rest in peace Fritzie, thanks for teaching me my first Scottish dance lessons!
Jim and Elsie Helm says
To Dennis and your family. So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Ellen Hart says
Dennis and family,
So very sorry to hear of Fritzie’s passing. What a lady!
Charlotte Grover says
So many good memories . Prayers for her family
Al and Sandy Cameron says
Dennis, Galen and family, Rachel and family,
We are thinking of you all during the loss of Fritzie. She was a special person for sure. Our paths recently crossed again when we were both doing rehab at Holy Rosary. We had some laughs at memories we shared. Fritz or was a great addition to this community.
Al and Sandy Cameron
Singers says
Rachel and family,
We are thinking of all of you, and keeping you in our prayers. May your Mom rest well in heaven.
Robert and Jan Singer
Lorrie Pearce says
Fly high Fritz! You fought a hard and long fight! Thoughts are with the family 💙
Larry and Pam Certain says
Dear Hafla Family, our deepest condolences on the passing of your Mother. We haven’t seen each other in years, but I’ll always remember our cheerful, little Scottish lass dancing at the Festival of Nations. We go back to Garfield School and the first grade. And Fritzie and Lola, I did not take those cookies! LOL Rest in the Lord, my friend.
Catherine Young says
Rachel, Galen, and family I have been thinking of you this winter with the loss of your parents. I have fond memories of several early childhood summers with your fun and welcoming family (during lots of swimming at the Oasis and travelling to swim meets). I think I will always remember your mom’s jovial demeanor, her smile, and her distinctive laughter! Wishing you comfort and warm memories as you continue to navigate this difficult time.