Terry Duane Hafer, 77, of Louisville, Colorado, passed away peacefully on Nov. 20, 2025, after a period of declining health due to dementia.
Terry was born April 13, 1948, in Seward, to Leroy and Berdena (Martin) Hafer. He attended country school as a child and went to Utica High School. He earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nebraska, followed by a Master of Science in Engineering from Arizona State University. Terry contributed significantly to the military and aerospace industries throughout his career, holding roles at the Army Corps of Engineers, Motorola, Texas Instruments and Ball Aerospace. He took particular pride in the development of antenna technology fundamental to the B1 and B2 bombers and having several patents to his name for antenna systems.
In 1970, Terry married Margaret Hall, and they welcomed their first child, Kevin. Later, he married Linda Bermudez in 1979, and together they expanded their family with two more children, Steven and Scott, and a beloved adopted daughter, Mikki.
Terry will be remembered for his warm smile, his lifelong passion for woodworking, and his commitment to his family. A devoted father, he enjoyed volunteering as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader, leading countless camping and backpacking adventures. He enjoyed mentoring others professionally, inspiring younger generations to become engineers. An avid enthusiast, Terry loved motorcycles, classic cars, tractors and airplanes. His favorite pastimes included running, hiking, photography, woodworking and spending time with his many furry dachshund friends over the years.
He is survived by his children, Kevin Michael Hafer of Shoreline, Washington, Steven Erik Hafer of Louisville, Colorado, Scott Christopher Hafer of Louisville, Colorado, and Mikki Kay Hafer of Brighton, Colorado.
He also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren; his brother, Dennis Hafer and his wife, Sheri Hafer of Seward; and three nephews and a niece.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be Saturday, Nov. 29, at 2 p.m. at Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home with inurnment at the Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Engineers Without Borders.
Arrangements by Zabka-Perdue Funeral Home.
