Charlaine Marie Hafeman, better known as Char, of Wausau, WI, passed away at the age of 71 on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Mt. View Care Center in Schofield, WI.

Char was born on July 27, 1954, in Wausau, Wisconsin, to parents James and Elaine Schubring. Char lived a life filled with experiences and interests. She was a proud graduate of Wausau East High School, and a former member of the Wausau Drum & Bugle Corps. Char dedicated a significant part of her working life to Kolbe & Kolbe and later retired from Mosinee Paper Mill, where she was well regarded by her colleagues.

Char's personal life was filled with a variety of passions and hobbies that brought her and those around her joy. An avid baker, she perfected the art of crafting delicious caramel treats during the holiday season, sharing them with family and friends. Char loved cutting the grass on her riding mower with her oxygen by her side. She also had quite the artistic side! Char took great care in each of her crochet projects, from her well-known 'scrubbies' to baby blankets and pocket crosses. Char's commitment to St. Mark's Lutheran Church and her faith were of significant meaning to her. She loved her Bible Study, serving as a 'Master Cutter of Squares' for the Quilter's Club, and donating baked goods or a delicious pot of soup when needed! However, Char's greatest love was taking her beloved Trike Motorcycle, lovingly named 'Molly', out for a ride whenever possible, and yes, her oxygen & walker were fastened tightly! She treasured the wind on her face and the freedom of the road!

Char married David Hafeman on February 10, 1990. Char was a devoted wife and a pillar of support for her family, friends, and church community. Her caring nature touched many lives, creating connections that filled her journey with meaning and purpose.

Char is survived by her husband, David Hafeman, and mother-in-law, Ruth Ann Hafeman, siblings Coral Axel, AJ & Judy Schubring, Craig & Susie Schubring, Crystal & Bob LaPean, and Cathy & Mark Sonnentag, and many nieces & nephews –Michelle, Sarah, Amanda, Elad, Stephanie, Melissa, Ben, Corinne, Phillip, Hannah, and great-nieces and nephews -Reilly, Dalton, Mackenzie, Madison, Noah, Sienna, Connor, Aiden, Scarlett, Sawyer, and Lewis, and a great-great niece Lucy.

Char is preceded in death by her fur babies, Oscar 1 & Oscar 2; parents, James & Elaine Schubring; father-in-law, Arnold 'Bud' Hafeman; and sisters, Christine Lake and Cindy Schwartz; and nephews, Johnny Schwartz and Jimmy Warnke.

As we gather to celebrate Char's life, the family expresses sincere gratitude to the staff at Mt. View Care Center for their compassion and care during her final weeks. Their dedication truly made a difference in her last days. Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wausau Humane Society in honor of Char's love for animals. A service to honor and remember Char will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church at 10:00 am.

Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is currently assisting the family. Online condolences can be made at MWCS.WS.