Kent Tobler Hafen

Kent Tobler Hafen, 90, slipped peacefully away in his home in St. George, Utah on July 23, 2023, after a long battle with dementia. Kent was born on September 5, 1932, in Santa Clara, Utah to Clair and Glenna Hafen, and was the second of seven children. He survived a miracle surgery as an infant and was able to enjoy a wonderful life as a young boy in beautiful Santa Clara. He always considered it an honor to be a “Santa Clara Dutchman.”

He attended elementary school in Santa Clara, and traveled to St. George to attend Woodward Junior High, Dixie High School, and Dixie College. Kent loved sports and excelled in basketball. A football injury kept him out of military service and it was hard for him to see his friends and family go off to serve without him.

Kent was sealed to his sweetheart, Diane Cornelius, on May 5, 1954, in the St. George Temple. They moved to Southern California where Kent drove truck in and around Los Angeles. Soon their first child, Brad, was born with Marci and Deana following.

Kent and Diane moved their family to St. George in 1967 because they wanted to raise their children in the kind of community they grew up in. Their 4^th child, KC, arrived soon after. Kent worked many years for Lewis Meats and later retired from Dixie College where he worked hard helping to maintain the grounds on the college campus. He enjoyed having a beautiful yard and often helped neighbors with their homes as well. He taught his children the value of work and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Kent was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as president of the Young Men’s, Elders Quorum and Sunday School organizations. He especially loved serving as bishop of the St. George 5^th and 6^th wards. He had a special relationship with the elderly members of his ward and conducted 67 funerals during that time.

When Kent began suffering with dementia he was lovingly cared for by his wife Diane. He was able to remain at home although he often expressed a desire to “go home.” We are grateful he is now home with his parents, siblings and our Savior Jesus Christ.

Kent is survived by his wife Diane, and his children, Brad (Judy) Hafen, Marci (Brent) Edgington, Deana (Bob) Whatcott and KC (Candace) Hafen , 15 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Sherm (Mary Louise), Arlyn (Jeannine) and sister, Barbara (Tom Robinson) and sister-in-law Laura Hafen.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Doug, Miriam (Blaine Imlay) and Wendell.

The family would like to acknowledge the loving and excellent care provided by Dixie Home Hospice.

Funeral services will be Monday, August 7, 2023, at 11:00 am at the St. George East Stake Center, 450 South 300 East.

Family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to view the funeral service online by clicking on the link below.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88646077361?pwd=WlM0dUJrcmJkMFlZajVFR2hpZ2hhZz09

Meeting ID: 886 4607 7361
Passcode: 434525

Friends may call Sunday evening from 6:00 – 7:00 pm at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St. in St. George and Monday from 9:30 – 10:30 am at the East Stake Center.  Interment will take place in the Santa Clara Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Services.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff Street, St. George, Utah, 435-673-2454. Friends and family are invited to sign Kent’s online guest book at www.spilsburymortuary.com.