Obituary of Charles Habeck

Charles “Chuck” W. Habeck, age 91, a lifelong resident of Wisconsin Rapids, was born to eternal life on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at the Presbyterian Homes/Dickinson Hollow Assisted Living Facility in Menomonee Falls, WI, where he and his wife, LaVerne, had resided for the past two years to be closer to their daughters.

Services will be held at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids on Saturday, June 17, 2017 at 1:30 P.M. Visitation will be from 11:30 A.M. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. Rev. John Grohs and Rev. Jonathan Petzold will officiate.  Burial with military honors will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.  A luncheon will follow the burial at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home.

Having been given life by his Creator, Charles was born on December 18, 1925 in Wisconsin Rapids to Carl and Anna (Saeger) Habeck. His siblings included: Hazel (Jim) Goude, Dorothy (Eddie) Picozzi, Gilbert (Grace) Habeck, and Elmer (Nancy) Habeck.  All of whom preceded him in death.

He attended Immanuel Lutheran Grade School and graduated from Lincoln High School as a member of the class of 1943. Charles was drafted into the United States Army in 1944 and assigned to the 126th Combat Engineers.  He served as a first sergeant during World War II in France, Belgium, and Germany. Charles shared memories of his military experiences which included: being on the first ship to safely cross the English Channel and the building of the Bailey Bridge in 11 days. He was honorably discharged in May of 1946.  During the war years, his mother had three stars displayed in her front window to represent the service of her three sons.

On June 5, 1948, Charles married LaVerne Boyles, daughter of David and Lucy Boyles of Wisconsin Rapids. They recently celebrated the blessing of 69 years of marriage.

Charles is survived by three daughters: Sherry (Jeff) Keinert, Sheila (Jim) Nelson, and Debbie (Ralph) Kilby; 6 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

In 1946, Charles began his 42 year-long career with Consolidated Papers, beginning in the supply department and retiring as the supervisor of the Production Inventory Control Department. He also served as a Director at Bull’s Eye Credit Union from 1956 until 1990.  Charles also served BECU as secretary and Chairman. He was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he served as Chairman of the congregation, as well as, the financial secretary. Charles participated in the Consolidated Papers Softball League and was a dedicated bowler in his Monday Night Bowling League, where his team was proudly sponsored by Herman’s Plumbing & Heating. He could be found in his deer stand, during hunting season, well into his seventies.

In April of 2012, Charles experienced the pleasure of joining other veterans on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He took great pride in maintaining his yard and home.  He and LaVerne could often be found in their large garden. Together they would complete their loving task of canning their harvest.

Charles was well respected by all who knew him. His greatest quality was his abiding faith in the Lord, together with his Christ like example of being a loving husband and father. He was a man of high moral character and conviction. Charles loved his country and proudly flew his American flag every day.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church and School. 111 11th Street North, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494.

While we are saddened by our earthly loss, we give thanks to the Lord for Charles and his saving faith in the forgiveness of Jesus Christ and our unshakable certainty that as a Child of God, Charles has preceded us to the unending glory of heaven.

The family would like to give special recognition and deep gratitude to the caregivers and staffs at the Renaissance in Wisconsin Rapids, Presbyterian Homes/Dickson Hollow, and Home Town Hospice of Menomonee Falls, for their incredibly gracious efforts in caring for our dear father in his time of need.