Russell Frey Hafer

Russell Frey Hafer, 77, of Exeter Township, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Tower Health Reading Hospital surrounded by his family. 

He was the loving husband of Joan Marie (Kercher) Hafer, whom he married on December 12, 1967. 

Born December 15, 1947, he was the son of the late Elmer Hafer and Stella (Frey) Hafer. 

Russel was a 1965 graduate of Exeter High School. After graduating he went on to work for Reading Bone Fertilizer/Growmark for over 40 years as a lime spreader. 

He enjoyed spending time outdoors and would go to his 15 Hunters Lodge in Sullivan County  where he would camp and hunt. When he wasn’t outdoors he would be watching Western’s, NASCAR, demolition derby, or the little league world series. The one thing he would look forward to every year was the Oley Valley Fair. Russel would be the first one at the tractor pull competition and enjoyed spending the rest of the day at the fairgrounds walking around the exhibits or admiring the different tractors. 

Russel’s family is what brought him true happiness. He enjoyed going to his grandkids sporting events when they were growing up and looked forward to their movie nights together. Family gatherings would always be at his house where there would be doo-wop music playing in the background. 

Surviving are two daughters and a step-daughter: Ann Marie (Hafer), wife of Mark Reich of Reading; and Lisa Ann (Hafer), wife of Dean Evans of Bernville; and Bonnie Guinther of Reading.

Also surviving are nine grandchildren: Jessica Karo; Alyssa Klusewitz; Zakkerie Hafer; Brandyn Guinther; Travis Reich; Kaitlyn Guinther; Dakota Mcclellan; Allyson Evans; and Brayden Evans. 

As well as eight great grandchildren.

There are also two siblings still surviving: Leroy Hafer, husband of Kathy (Kemp) Hafer, and Carol (Hafer) Abraham.

Russell was predeceased by one step-son, Bruce Guinther. 

A viewing will be held Tuesday, July 1st, 2025 at the Stitzel Family Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Oley, 423 Main STreet, Oley, PA 19547 from 10 am to 11 am. A service will take place following the viewing. Burial will be at Friedens Cemetery in Oley. 
For online condolences please visit www.stitzelfamilyfuneralhomes.com

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