Adolph Hafemann, 95, Remembered for Kindness and Community Impact

Adolph Hafemann, a beloved figure in Wellesley, Ontario, passed away on September 29, 2023, at the age of 95, leaving behind a profound legacy of kindness and community service. His life story reflects resilience and dedication, beginning with his family’s harrowing escape from Poland during the tumultuous years following the Second World War.

Born on June 27, 1930, in Poland, Adolph was just a teenager when his family joined the mass migration of ethnic Germans fleeing the advancing Soviet Red Army. According to his son, Peter Hafemann, the family lost everything during this time. “They had to leave within 24 hours… others, the Russians sent to the gulag,” he recounted. The family’s perilous journey left them in dire conditions, with Adolph even contracting diphtheria but never losing his spirit.

Upon reaching Germany, the Hafemann family had to rebuild their lives. At just 15, Adolph took a job in a hospital, dealing with the grim realities of war. After a few years, he learned of sponsorship opportunities through the Lutheran Church and immigrated to Canada, arriving with only 15 cents and no winter clothing.

Canada’s agricultural sector welcomed him, and he found work on a farm in Monkton, Ontario. In 1951, his parents and younger brother, Erik, joined him, while another brother, Bruno, had tragically died earlier. Adolph worked various jobs, eventually becoming a chief mechanic for a menswear company in Kitchener.

The closure of the plant was a significant setback for Adolph, who had a strong work ethic. “Dad was beside himself,” Peter recalled. His mother, however, encouraged him to venture into business. In 1970, the couple purchased a dilapidated grocery store in Wellesley, where they transformed the business through hard work and dedication.

Under their stewardship, the store flourished into a successful enterprise, achieving sales of $7 million. The couple became deeply respected figures in the community. Their daughter, Linda Stortz, remembered how her father would often help families in need, slipping cakes into their grocery bags or allowing them to pay later when they could.

Both Adolph and Emily were honored as Wellesley Citizens of the Year, with Adolph receiving the award in 1976 and Emily in 1984. Their commitment to the community extended beyond the store; Adolph was instrumental in founding the Wellesley Apple Butter Festival, which celebrates local heritage and community spirit.

After selling the grocery store in 1987, the Hafemanns sought new challenges. They purchased a rundown farm and donated a condemned log house for a practice burn to local firefighters. This endeavor led them to create the Firella Creek Bed and Breakfast, turning the property into a tourist destination.

Despite facing health challenges, including paralysis from a spinal aneurysm over 20 years ago, Adolph continued to work hard. He was known for his extraordinary work ethic, often using a walker but still driving tractors and managing farm tasks. “He worked harder and longer than a man of 20 years,” Peter observed, adding, “He was an amazing man, who rarely complained.”

Adolph Hafemann’s contributions to Wellesley and his family will be remembered fondly. His legacy of kindness, hard work, and community service serves as an inspiring example for future generations.