Michelle Lee (Dunlap) Hafner

Age 54, passed away on June 12, 2025. Michelle (Missy) is survived by her devoted husband James (Jim); adored sons Gabriel (Gabe) and Chase; loving parents Bill and Lorraine Dunlap and in-laws Pete and Justine Hafner; brothers Darren Dunlap and Sean Dunlap; 3 brothers-in-law and 5 sisters-in-law; and 15 nephews and nieces.

Michelle was born and raised in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. She was extremely athletic with a particular passion for soccer. Always the trailblazer, Michelle was a member of the inaugural girls club soccer program in Glen Ellyn. She was so proud of her Chicago roots. She loved her Chicago sports teams and Chicago pizza.

She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Loyola University Chicago and a Master in Business Administration from Saint Louis University. Michelle worked at Mastercard in Saint Louis for 25 years. As a Senior Vice President specializing in Cyber & Intelligence Solutions, she led innovative product strategies around the world.

More than anything, Michelle appreciated time with her family and friends. She loved Jim deeply. They met in college and enjoyed 26 beautiful years of marriage. Jim could always make her laugh, and they remained best friends and true partners in life.

Michelle absolutely adored her sons, Gabe and Chase. She loved watching them compete in all of their sporting events and was always their number one fan. She loved her family vacations, especially to the beach, where she would enjoy long walks and quality time with her boys. She also found comfort relaxing at home while watching TV shows, baking cookies and especially dancing together. She was so very proud when Gabe graduated from Saint Louis University High School and went on to study at the University of South Carolina. Chase always had her smiling with his many “business adventures” and stories from the great outdoors. She cherished every moment with her boys no matter the circumstance.

Michelle treasured her friendships, quiet time with her mom and dad, sunsets on the beach and hitting the dance floor. She was kind and loyal, proud and strong, and determined and courageous in the face of adversity. She was a true warrior and will always be our guiding light.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 4-8 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home of West County (Chesterfield). A Mass will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Ascension Catholic Church, 230 Santa Maria Drive, Chesterfield, 63005, followed by a luncheon at Forest Hills Country Club at 12:30 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Michelle Hafner to MC Stand Up 2 Cancer. 

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