Hewitt G. Hafer
Hewitt George Hafer, 88, of Arthur, died at 11:39 a.m. Friday, September 4, 2020 at the Arthur Home surrounded by family.
There will be a Graveside Service at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 10, 2020 at the Arthur Cemetery with Pastor Bob Silvanik officiating. Military Rites will be accorded by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and the Arthur American Legion Post accompanied by bugler, Andrew Abercrombie. Shrader Funeral Home, Arthur, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Hewitt was born December 29, 1931 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the son of Theodore and Bertha Wurzburger Hafer. He was married to Patricia Guinnee in Bloomington on Sept. 14, 1952 after they graduated from Normal Community High School. Pat preceded him in death on February 15, 2004 as did their son James David in 2002. He then married Marilu Platzbecker in Arthur on July 2, 2005 and they resided in Arthur.
Survivors include his wife, Marilu Hafer of Arthur; 2 sons, Michael (Phyllis) Hafer of Arthur; Richard (Sara) Hafer of Rantoul; daughter, Kathryn (Peter) Bogen of W. Simsbury, Connecticut; brother, Ron (Ellen) Hafer of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts; 4 stepsons, Joseph (Karen) Platzbecker of Roscoe; Jon (Kris) Platzbecker of Mt.Zion; James Platzbecker of Arthur; Nicholas (Leigh) Platzbecker of Antioch; stepdaughter, Heidi (Ervin) Miller of DeBary, Florida; 20 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.
Hewitt received his B.S. in P.E. and completed R.O.T.C. in 1953 and received a commission in the U. S. Army. He was an Intelligence Officer assigned first to Japan then Korea, returning in 1955. Upon return he began his coaching and teaching career at Eureka High School and that was followed by Pecatonica High School and Chiddix Junior High. An undefeated season at Chiddix and an IL State Basketball Heavyweight Championship was won at Chiddix in 1963. This was followed by an opportunity to coach at Arthur High School in 1965.
Over the course of Hewitt’s distinguished career, he was a teacher, coach, principal and athletic director. He was at Arthur High School from 1965-1987 where he coached football and basketball and became Principal in 1975 and was involved with the Amish Attendance Centers. Basketball highlights include a 7 and 1 season in 1967 and in 1968 winning the Monticello Holiday Tournament. His summers were spent pursuing a Masters Degree in Math from Boston College a M.S. in P.E and Administrative Certification from U of IL along with various summer jobs. Such as helping to build the family home with Levi Kauffman’s crew, building cabinets and playing golf. He was a member of Kaskaskia Country Club and played in Men’s League for many years.
Hewitt was a member of the Vine Street Christian Church where he served as choir director and elder. He was fond of singing with various groups and hanging out with Marilu.
After retiring, he taught Lakeland Community College Math, did H&R Block taxes and enjoyed traveling and his grandchildren. He was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Fighting Illini.
Memorials are suggested to the Vine Street Christian Church.
Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.hilligossshraderfh.com
