Mary Irene

(Baker) Hafenstein

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Mary Irene Baker Hafenstein, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Mary's life was one of dedication, service, and a love-a life well lived and deeply cherished.

Mary was born on February 16, 1949, in Ohio to Celian and Martha Baker. In 1960 she moved to Elroy, Wisconsin, where her early curiosity and determination became evident. She wrote a letter to President Eisenhower about the concept of one-room schoolhouses and received a response explaining their significance in rural farming communities.

Mary and her family farmed the land owned by Tommy Thompsons family before moving to Watertown, Wisconsin in 1962. She graduated from Watertown High School in 1967 and soon embarked on a remarkable journey. Encouraged to take an entrance exam for the FBI, she passed and moved to Washington, D.C. and worked for the Bureau. Later she relocated to Milwaukee where she worked in fingerprint analysis, including involvement in the investigation of the 1970 Sterling Hall bombing at UW-Madison.

Mary met the love of her life, Arthur John Hafenstein at an American Legion dance. Just six months later, on July 11, 1970 they were married at Christ United Methodist Church in Watertown. Together they built a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. They enjoyed time at their cabin, bowling, fishing, and traveling. Their home in Lake Mills was a place of warmth and celebration, hosting countless parties for family, friends, and organizations- including their famous Christmas gathering featuring Santa himself.

Mary and Art were blessed with two daughters, Karen Jane Hafenstein and Rose Marie Hafenstein. After years of prayers, their family was complete and Mary embraced motherhood with love and devotion.

In 1991 Mary survived a battle with breast cancer. Celebrating life's precious moments including welcoming her first grandchild. In 1993 she and Art moved to a beautiful lakeside home in Spooner, Wisconsin where she earned her real estate license and became a broker. After Art's passing Mary poured herself into her work earning a reputation for excellence and integrity in the real estate industry.

Although she held several jobs throughout her life- including Zwig's Diner, a car dealership, Hamlin and Scheiger's- her greatest joy was being a realtor. Mary was a dedicated and respected professional, serving as a member and leader of the Northwestern Realtors Association of Wisconsin where she held various positions, including President. She was later voted the #1 Realtor in Northern Wisconsin.

Beyond her career, Mary was deeply involved in her community. A devoted member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1966, she held numerous positions at both local and district levels including President. Mary was also an active member of the Lake Mills United Methodist Church serving on the board, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and working tirelessly in the kitchen for the annual Thanksgiving dinner. She also played a key role in the Lake Mills Music Parents, supporting local youth in their musical endeavors.

In 2023 after retiring, she returned to Lake Mills to be closer to her daughter Rose. She spent her final years surrounded by love, enjoying cross-stitching, crocheting, quilting, reading, and most importantly time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mary is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Ceilan and Martha Baker; her husband Arthur John Hafenstein; her daughter, Karen Jane Hafenstein Lee and son-in-law Michael Lee; her siblings Russell Charles, Marguerite May, and Ceilan Arthur Jr and many dear in-laws.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Rose Marie (James Wolfram) Schroeder; her cherished grandchildren, Kristine (Greg) Powers, Danielle (Matt) James, Nathan (Dani) Schroeder, Jonathan (Shannon) Schroeder; great grandchildren, Arianna, Skylar, Brecken, Hadleygh; three sisters, Katheryn Walter of Mauston, Martha Webster of Spooner, Elizabeth Moore of California; sister-in-laws, Lynn Baker of Watertown, Lucille Hafenstein Roessler of Lake Mills; her brother-in-law Harold (Crystal) Hafenstein of Lake Mills; as well as many extended family members, friends and a grateful community who will miss her deeply.

A Celebration of Mary's life will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in Lake Mills with a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 12 noon with a lunch to follow.

Private family graveside services will be held at Rock Lake Cemetery at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to her family, United Methodist Church, Rainbow Hospice, or to the American Legion Auxiliary Post 67 – reflection of Mary's lifelong commitment to faith, service, and community.

Mary lived a life of love, dedication, and generosity. Though she is no longer with us her legacy will continue through the lives she touched and the love she shared.

Forever in our hearts, always in our memories.

www.claussenfuneralhome.com