David Larsen Hafen

David Larsen Hafen, 86, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and children after a brief battle with injuries following a recent car accident.

Born October 23, 1938, in Mt. Pleasant, UT, to Jay and Ruby Hafen, he was the youngest of three children. He spent his youth working on his family farm, shepherding sheep in the mountains during the summer, and was a talented high school athlete. He attended Snow College in Ephraim, UT, before beginning his career in the insurance industry. He also served in the Utah National Guard.

He married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Blain, and they were blessed to celebrate their 68th anniversary together, encircled by family, four days before his passing. Together, they built a life filled with love, service, and faith. Family was always their highest priority, and they were blessed to welcome eight children into their home along with twenty-three grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Dave built a successful career in the insurance industry in the Walla Walla community, spending the majority of his career as an insurance broker at McDonald Zaring Insurance (MZI) in Walla Walla.

Faith was always at the center of Dave’s life. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in numerous capacities and leadership positions. He and Carolyn served a church mission on the Navajo Nation in Window Rock, AZ. He was privileged to be chosen as the first stake president of the newly formed Walla Walla Stake. Countless individuals over the years were blessed by his counsel, compassion, and charity. Anyone ever interacting with Dave never left their encounter without being warmly greeted and hugged. He will be remembered for his warmth, humility, and the way he made everyone feel welcome in his presence. Truly, he was a friend and servant to all.

Dave is survived by his wife, Carolyn; daughters, Cathy (Phil) of Fall City, WA, Kimberly (Mike) of Queen Creek, AZ, and Nikol of Salt Lake City, UT; and sons, Robert (Lura), Brad (Deirdre), and Ky (Tambri) all of Walla Walla; twenty-three grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary, his brother Bill, two dear children, Mark and Allison, and his granddaughter Tia.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on his birthday, Thursday, October 23, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 1821 S Second Ave in Walla Walla. He will be interred at the Mt. Pleasant City Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant, UT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Church General Missionary Fund and the Navajo United Way in Window Rock.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Providence St. Mary Medical Center for all their professional care and personal touches. They also appreciate the outpouring of love from family, friends, and the community.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.