Herman Haefele

Herman George Haefele, 83, entered into God’s presence on February 16, 2012, with his family at his side. He was born October 24, 1928, on the Haefele family homestead east of Callaway, Nebraska. His grandparents were pioneer homesteaders in Custer County, Nebraska. He was the eldest of five sons born to George Vernon Haefele and Helen Elizabeth Neth Haefele. He grew up and attended schools in Broken Bow, Nebraska, and graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1947. In that same year, Herm enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, and earned the rank of Sergeant. On May 23, 1948, he married his wife of 63 years, Darlene Niedt, in Broken Bow. They became parents of Susan, Teresa, Julie, David, and Kimberly. He graduated from the Radio-Television Broadcast Institute in Omaha, and obtained his First Class Radio-Television License from the FCC. He completed other academic studies at the University of Nebraska, University of Colorado, Idaho State University, plus several other special studies. He also was a licensed Private Pilot. Herm began his broadcasting career in 1951at KMMJ radio in Grand Island, Nebraska, and KGFW radio in Kearney, Nebraska. His television career began at KHOL-TV at Kearney-Holdrege, Nebraska. Herm had three different careers in television: as On Air announcer and On Air TV personality; as Doc Harmony at KCKT-TV in Great Bend, Kansas; as the Director of Engineering of Central Kansas Television Network, in which he expanded the network by designing and building KGLD -TV, Garden City/Dodge City, Kansas, and KOMC-TV, Oberlin-Goodland Kansas/McCook, Nebraska. He and his family moved to Idaho Falls in February, 1962, and he began a career in programming and sales at KIFI-TV. He was Assistant General Manager and retired in 1990 as Station Manager. Herm was involved in numerous community activities, including President of Barton Flying Club, and President of Barton County Mental Health Association in Kansas. In Idaho he was a member of the Idaho Falls Jaycees, the East Idaho Falls Kiwanis Club, was President-Director of the Idaho Falls YMCA, President of the Rocky Mountain Broadcast Association, including Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, and South Dakota. He joined SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and served two terms at District 1087 Manager, and four terms as Chairman, SCORE Chapter 295. Over the years, he was actively involved with his church as a leader, teacher and friend. Herm valued his relationship with Jesus Christ, his family, and his grandchildren. He lived his life with integrity and courage that symbolized his strength of character. When Herm was healthy, he could frequently be seen helping neighbors, or involved with church construction projects – sometimes as far away as the Ukraine with “Men in Missions.” Dad was an avid golfer and fisherman. He enjoyed his trips to Alaska and loved to travel. He had many unique opportunities, such as a private tour of “Air Force One” and flying with the Blue Angels. Herm lead a very full and productive life. Survivors include his beloved wife, Darlene, of Idaho Falls, ID; Daughter, Julie (Tom) Shilling of Denver, CO; Son, David (Becky) Haefele of Chicago, IL; Daughter, Kimberly (David) Egdorf of Hardin, MT; Four Grandchildren, Keeley, Amy, Brandon, and Camille; Brother, Gaylord Haefele, and Brother, Vernon Haefele; and multiple friends. He was preceded in death by his daughters, Susan Hofer and Teresa Haefele; his parents; a brother, Loren Haefele, and an infant brother, Vernon Edward Haefele. A Celebration of Herm’s Life will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 21, 2011, at the Idaho Falls First Church of the Nazarene, 1900 Grandview Drive. The family will visit with friends Monday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial donations to Aspen Home Health and Hospice, 3470 Washington Parkway, Idaho Falls, ID 83404. (208) 529-0800 or online at http://theaspengroup.net.

Funeral Services -- Tuesday

11:00 a.m. ,Tuesday, February 21, 2012 Idaho Falls First Church of the Nazarene 1900 Grandview Drive Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Notes: The family will visit with friends Monday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.