Rudolf C. Hafkemeyer

June 19, 1932-September 21, 2025

Rudolf Christian Hafkemeyer, beloved husband, son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away on September 21, 2025. He was surrounded by his family, who channeled his ever-present faith and courage, and stayed by his side while he passed on peacefully at home. Rudy kept a peaceful calm during this time, knowing that soon he was to be with his wife Betty, the love of his life.

Rudy, the 6th child of Maria Brands Hafkemeyer and Josef Hafkemeyer was born in Handrup, Germany, and then moved to Lingen, where he was a carpenter’s apprentice until he graduated in 1950. Rudy emigrated to the United States in 1953, carrying scant belongings and his trade tools. Rudy met Betty in Manhattan at a dance. They were married in May of 1956. Rudy served in the US Army, deployed to Korea, and was honorably discharged in 1958, followed by 6 years in the Army Reserves. Betty and Rudy went on to have their five children, raising them in Ridgewood, Queens and in Candlewood Shores in Brookfield, CT. Rudy was a devout Catholic and was a member of the Parishes of Saint Matthias in Queens, NY and Saint Joseph Church in Brookfield. Betty and Rudy spent many of their later years in Lady Lake, Florida, where they enjoyed good friends and sunny skies.

Rudy loved to be surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They were so incredibly proud of their large and boisterous family and loved family time. Rudy loved boating around Candlewood Lake with Betty, both on Candlewood Lake and on Lake Dora in Florida. They traveled the world from Iceland to Antarctica and enjoyed many other cruising adventures. A favorite destination of theirs was Germany, where Betty and Rudy both had many close family members.

Rudy is predeceased by his wife Betty and is survived by their five children: Barbara (Edward, deceased) Elmendorf, Ralph (Laurie), Rudy (Maria), Robert (Amy), and Marie (Greg) Bray. He is survived by 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Calling hours will be on Monday, September 29, 2025, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, CT.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 10:00 am at Saint Joseph Church, 163 Whisconier Rd., Brookfield. Burial will follow in Saint Peter Cemetery, 71 Lake Ave. Ext., Danbury.