Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Todd Hafner
In the early morning hours of October 3, 2025, Todd, age 58, left this earthly life and joined the chorus of the next.
Todd Patrick Hafner was born to Gary and Gloria (Kautzman) Hafner on June 2, 1967 in Harvey, ND. He spent all of his life on the family farm near Sykeston. Todd graduated from Sykeston High School in 1985, and excelled in sarcasm. He liked a fast car and good times with friends, but he always prioritized the farm to make sure crops and animals were tended.
The love of Todd’s life was Melissa (Willey). Their fondness for each other dates back to their grade school days. Todd seldom missed sending Missy flowers over the years to celebrate their relationship, with the most recent being a beautiful bouquet for their 39th wedding anniversary. They were married at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Sykeston on August 29th 1986.
Life and love brought them three wonderful sons: Nicolas (Hilary), Fargo, ND; Devan (Ashley), Jamestown, ND; Jesse, Carrington, ND. A country life filled with camping, hunting, and fishing kept Todd’s heart full. The most recent joy in Todd’s life was changing his title to “Papa” when he became a grandfather to Bryson (Devan and Ashley). It brought an extra sparkle to his eye!
From a young age, Todd had a profound love of music. Mastering lead guitar, along with a warm, sweet voice, some of his proudest accomplishments were being a part of two popular local bands, StaJa and Alittle Untamed. Many friendships were made across the state, playing on stages large and small. In recent years, Todd stepped onto a few Nashville stages, instantly drawing a crowd in the door. These were such memorable moments, and he felt he had fulfilled a dream that would have made his Dad so proud. Todd never lost his love for playing guitar and always longed for those band days. Many band stories and music selections were shared by Todd around the campfire.
When times shifted from farming and ranching to exploring new passions, Todd started working at Cannon Technologies in Carrington in 2002 as a meter technician. In 2008, he transitioned into a Senior IT Technician position at Northern Plains Electric Cooperative. There, he expanded his specialty to Journeyman Meterman with an apprenticeship program through BSC.
Todd is survived by his wife, three sons, two daughters-in-law, and a grandson. His mother, Gloria Hafner; sister Tammy (Mike) Stevens; sisters-in-law Cindy (Bill) Willey/Ockert, Kathy (Kyle) Beach; brother-in-law Joel (RoxAnn) Willey. Many nieces and nephews.
Todd was preceded in death by his father Gary Hafner; father and mother-in-law Donald and Alice Willey; grandparents, Joe and Margie Hafner, Innocent and Fawn Kautzman; and brother-in-law, Andrew Willey.
In lieu of flowers, consider honoring Todd with a monetary donation of your choice, and raise a Busch Light to Todd.
A special thank you to Tammi and Lynn, for always being only a moment away.
Todd’s Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00PM – 6:00PM with family present followed by a Vigil Service at 6:00PM at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington, ND.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, October 10, 2025, at 10:30AM at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, Sykeston, ND.
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Missy and family, I’m so sorry to hear about Todd’s passing. Sending you all of love and many hugs during this difficult time.
Hard to believe….Missy…sweat hearts since you were very young!!! Your love for Todd will forever be a shining example for others. A life too short, yet a love so strong.
Our thoughts and conversations keep taking us back in time to the “band years”. Oh the stories those guys could tell!!! Todd was amazing on that guitar and the man could sing!!!
Our hearts break for you all! We pray for strength for each day and for the comfort and peace only God can give!!
God Bless
Rob and Lisa
Praying for you and your family!
So sorry to heat about Todd. Gone to soon! Prayers for families and friends!
To Missy and family, my heart is with you all at this time, with prayers and hugs. Linda
I’m so sorry missy. My heart hurts for you and your family. The journey isn’t an easy one but keep your eyes on Christ and He’ll help guide you. I wish I had the right words to ease you and your family’s pain. I can only lift you all in prayer. Blessings to you and deepest sympathy
Missy, what a shock to hear of Todd’s death. Our heart goes out to you and your family. We fell in love with the band and followed the guys whenever we could. Great times and memories were made with you guys. Our heartfelt condolences to you. Still have our little untamed t shirt, will wear it now with a new meaning. sincerely
Bruce & Roxann Georgeson
Missy, very sorry to hear of the loss of your husband Todd. Deepest sympathy to you and your family.
As neighbors to Tammy & Mike (West Fargo), our hearts hurt for your loss. We will continue praying for all of Todd’s family and friends that you find peace and comfort knowing that God walks with you.
Love, Marilyn & Larry O’Callaghan
Missy, so very sorry to hear of Todd’s passing. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. May God help you thru this most difficult time.
Our heartfelt sympathy to all Todd’s family. Beautifully written words of his life and accomplishments. Prayers of comfort for all who knew him. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Lucinda and David Hanekom (friends of Tammy and Mike)
My heart goes out to you on this sad occasion. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Holding you and your family in our heart and prayers. So sorry.
Sends hugs and healing thoughts your way, Missy and family. Heaven has gained another Angel to watch over you all.
Praying for the peace that passes all understanding for all friends and family.