Obituary of Donald A. Haefeli

Donald A. Haefeli
Walker Valley, NY

Donald A. Haefeli a resident of Walker Valley, NY passed away on September 27, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. The son of August J. and Dorothy Haefeli (Van Fleet), he was born on July 26, 1933 in Middletown, NY. He was 91 Years old.  Don married Judith M. Evans on January 25, 1958, in Middletown, NY. He grew up in Middletown, NY and served in the U. S. Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Midway. Don worked for the NY State Department of Transportation in the survey department and retired after 30 years. He had been a BSA Webelos leader and was also a long time Hunter Safety instructor. After retiring from NYS, Don went to work for the Town of Mamakating as a Constable, a Dog Control Officer and then a Court Officer and fully retired at the age of 82! He was an avid outdoors man and hunter. He loved his family, animals, and motorcycle riding. Don was a member of Rolling Thunder NY Chapter 3. Don is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Judy Haefeli at home. His children, Faith Lessard, A. J. Haefeli (Meg), Gloria Kessler (Karl), and Donna Freyman. His grandchildren Bonnallie Griffin (Joe), Josh Lessard, Erik Forseth, Keith Forseth (Candace), Carly Haefeli, Erin Haefeli (Avery), Sarah Kessler-Snell (Brendan), Mckenzie Kessler, Grace and Hope Delgado. His great-grandchildren David, Ben and Maggie Lessard and Thomas, Kelsey (DJ) and Matthew Griffin.  His special nephew and niece Lance McCoy, Heather Delgado (Milton),  his sister Jean Barker and extended family George Ewings, Jean Swan and Julie & Pete Szulewski. He will be missed by all who knew him.  Don was predeceased by his parents, his sister Mary Markle and grandson David C. Lessard.

We’d like to express our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, especially Brandy Keller and Christina Carmody for the loving attentive care they gave to Don and his family. Visitation will be held on Monday September 30, 2024 from 4-8pm at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home Inc. 1525 Burlingham Rd Pine Bush NY. A Celebration of Life will begin at 7:15pm. The theme of Don’s service is camo, we invite anyone that is able, to please wear camo attire to honor him.  His ashes will be spread at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or your favorite veterans organization. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.wmgaganfuneralhome.com