Grace (Mikkelson) Hafstad, age 81, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend to many. Grace was born on September 4, 1944, to Joseph and Anna Mikkelson in Hawley, MN, who instilled in her the values of faith, kindness, and hard work that she carried throughout her life.

Grace graduated from Concordia University in 1966, beginning a lifelong commitment to education and service. On July 9, 1967, she married the love of her life, John Hafstad. Together they built a life rooted in devotion to family, community, and faith.

Grace and John began their married life in White Bear Lake, Minnesota and other surrounding communities, before settling in Glenwood, Minnesota, in 1976. Grace raised her two sons, James and Michael, and built deep, lasting connections within the community.

A dedicated educator, Grace taught elementary school in Glenwood for more than 25 years. She also worked part time at the Glenwood Public Library, a natural extension of her lifelong love of books and learning. Grace was an active member of Barsness Lutheran Church, where she attended bible studies and was involved in the church council.

In 2016, Grace returned to Hawley, where she continued to live out her faith as an active member of Solem Lutheran Church. She cherished the friendships and family she formed there by spending time with her sister JoAnn and many other family and friends who also resided in Hawley.

Grace’s passions were simple and heartfelt. She loved baking and cooking for family and friends, filling every gathering with warmth and comfort. She was an avid reader, always with a book nearby. And she was a devoted Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan, cheering faithfully through every season.

Grace will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering love for her family, and the countless lives she touched through her teaching and community involvement. Her legacy lives on in her sons, James (Jill) and Michael; grandchildren; sister, JoAnn Anderson; nieces and nephews, and all other relatives and friends who were fortunate enough to know her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, John Hafstad; her parents; sister, Adeline Greathouse; and brother-in-law, Jerry Anderson.

A visitation will be held Saturday May 9, 2026, from 1-2 PM followed by the memorial service at 2:00 PM at Solem Lutheran Church, in Hawley, MN.

Burial will take place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 3:00 PM in Chippewa Falls Cemetery, Terrace, MN.