Dale Arnold Hafeman, 81, lifelong resident of West Bend, passed away early on Saturday, July 30, 2011, at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa. He was the only son of Arthur and Frances (nee kowski) Hafeman.

Born in 1929, Dale attended West Bend High School, but at the end of his junior year, his education was interrupted when he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. For his service during World War II, he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal Japan. After fulfilling his three year tour of duty, he completed his high school degree. He then went on to attend Marquette University, graduating in 1954 from the school of business.

Dale met his wife Barbara Warhanek on Silver Lake, where they would eventually reside for many years, marrying on Jan. 28, 1956. They have seven children: Mary Hafeman, Michael (Kim) Hafeman, Jayne (Robert) Peplinski, Thomas (Katrina) Hafeman, Sara Struebing-Hafeman, Jennifer Hafeman and John (Stacy) Hafeman.

During his early years, Dale worked at various jobs, including caddy at the West Bend Country Club and general errand boy for the West Bend News. He worked part-time at the West Bend Company, moving into fulltime employment as a salesman in the spring of 1950. He later transferred to the finance department, becoming manager of the Installment Finance Division. In 1972, he was promoted to the International Sales Manager for Lifetime and Private Label Accounts and Director of Governmental Affairs. In 1977, he took over the position of General Sales Manager of Specialty Steel. After 38 years of loyal service, Dale retired in 1992.

Inspired by a need in the field of direct sales and because of his experience with installment financing, Dale, upon the urging is his son, Michael, agreed to embark on the establishment of a new finance company. As a result, in 1982 the Time Investment Company was born in the basement of the family homestead and continues to thrive and grow. Today, TIC has 35 employees and is located in the historic West Bend City Hall.

Dale was involved in community activities/organizations, such as the United Fund, serving as chairman in 1967; Junior Achievement; the Kettle Moraine YMCA, where he participated in the original fundraising efforts and formation of the Indian Guides Program; a founder and long term board member of the Silver Lake Yacht Club; a 40-year member of the West Bend Country Club; a charter and active member of St. Frances Cabrini Church and School.

Dale was an avid golfer, hiker-walker, world traveler visiting all seven continents, a country western music lover and an avid Green Bay Packer fan. First and foremost, he was a man who loved his family deeply. He was a loving husband, dedicated father and doting grandfather/greatgrandfather.

He is survived by his wife Barbara along with their seven children; 15 grandchildren: Lindsay, Amanda and Zachary Hafeman; Robert (Kimberly), Clair, Lauren, Joseph and Jacob Peplinski; Tony Lutz, Tessa and Bethany Hafeman; Jack and Samuel Struebing; and Benjamin and Sara Hafeman as well as four great-grandchildren: Grace, Caroline, Henry and Audrey Peplinski. Dale is also survived by a sister-in-law Ginny Warhanek; a brother-in-law David Weiss; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Marlene Weiss, a brother-in-law Howard Warhanek and a sister-in-law Marie Warhanek.

A memorial Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church with the Rev. Nathan Reeseman presiding. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church only on Wednesday from 4 until 6:45 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Dale Hafeman to St. Frances Cabrini School.

The Schmidt Funeral Home of West Bend is serving the family. Online guestbook and condolences available at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.