​Dale P. Hafer, 81 of Gladwin, formerly of Coleman, died Monday March 20, 2023 at MyMichigan Medical Center, Midland.  He was born July 22, 1941 in Saginaw the son of the late Paul & Florence (Janson) Hafer.   Dale married Janice M. Fisher August 13, 1966 in Midland.  She preceded him in death November 29, 2008.
 
Dale was a lifetime farmer and auctioneer, “Hafer Auction Service”,  in the Coleman area.  Dale was an accomplished guitar player and was inducted into the Blue Grass Hall of Fame, and was known for the Auctioneer Song.  He was an avid, but not too successful, deer hunter.  Dale and his wife Jan were active in Midland County 4-H and they started the Geneva Township 4-H Club.  He was a board member and donated his auctioneer services for the large and small animal auction yearly for both Midland and Isabella County 4-H. 
 
Survivors include his children Erick & Ronda Hafer of Beaverton, Dena & Curt Chiddister of Elgin, Illinois, foster son Randy & Jean Fournier of South Branch, grandchild Chance Stebelton, brother Keith & Sue Hafer of Auburn, sister-in-law Sandy Hafer of Midland, and his dog Fred.  Dale was also preceded in death by his son Robert Hafer and brothers Carl and Lyle Hafer. 
 
Funeral and committal services will be held 11:00 am Friday March 24, 2023 at the Coleman Wesleyan Church with Pastor Timothy Sheridan officiating.  Burial will take place in the Geneva Community Cemetery, North Bradley.  Friends may call at the O’Laughlin Funeral Home, Inc. on Thursday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm and at the church on Friday starting at 10 am until the time of services.  Memorials are suggested to the Coleman Schools Agriscience Program, noting Dale Hafer in the memo.