Deborah  Marie "Deb" Hafner, age 72, of Shawano, passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, in Appleton. Deb was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on March 27, 1951, daughter of the late Leonard and Cecelia (Felckowski) Zinda. Deb grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Riverside High School.  After high school she moved to Shawano. On July 3, 1971, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, James J. Hafner, at St. James Lutheran Church. Deb had a long career as a housekeeper including time at the Shawano Hospital, the Dialysis Center, and multiple nursing homes in the area. Following retirement, Deb truly enjoyed owning and operating the Red River Tavern with her husband James from 2000 to 2005. Deb was a loving and kindhearted woman, and her compassion was known by many. Deb was a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend.  She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Deb is survived by: her husband of 53 years, James Hafner; her son, Derek (Sheryl) Hafner; four grandchildren, Nathaniel, Kyle, Paige, and Cailen; four great grandchildren, Grace, OakLynn, Jack and Gabriella; and siblings, Carol Jenkins, Charles (Gerta) Zinda, and Steve (Robin) Zinda. She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by: her daughter Jessica Hafner; parents Leonard and Cecelia; a sister Denise Zinda; and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Elaine and Roger Hafner.

A memorial service for Deb will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano with Dick Menning officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:30 am until the time of the service.