William "Bill" George Habben

William “Bill” George Habben was born April 12, 1926, to Herman and Viola (Hall) Habben in Balaton, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at the Balaton United Methodist Church. He received his education at the Burchard and Balaton High School. Following his education he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on April 7, 1944. He served as a rifleman during World War II and was stationed in Japan. He attained the rank of Corporal and participated in engaging the enemy at Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands, and the occupation of Japan in 1945. His character of service was excellent and he was honorably discharged on August 8, 1946. Upon his return, he helped his father farm for a number of years, and later moved to the Minneapolis area where was employed as a welder in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. On November, 4, 1978 he was united in marriage to Eileen (Petersen) Habben at Zion Lutheran Church in Tracy, Minnesota. The couple farmed and later operated a restaurant in Balaton, Minnesota. Eileen preceded him in death in 2002. In 2013, Bill became a resident of Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Balaton, Minnesota where he died peacefully on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at the age of 89 years, seven months and two days.

Bill was a member of the Balaton United Methodist Church. He enjoyed reading Westerns, going on drives in the country and having coffee with “the good old boys.”

Bill will be lovingly remembered by his step-daughters, Becky Scherier of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Sherlynn Petersen of Amiret, Minnesota; sisters, Verna (Gerald) Mulder of Worthington, Minnesota, and Dorothy Mainous of Westminster, South Carolina; sisters-in-law, Margaret Habben of Balaton, Minnesota, and Laura Habben of Robbinsdale, Minnesota; many nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen; parents, Herman and Viola; sister, LaDonna Johnson; and brothers, Edward and George Habben; step-daughter, Helen Maher. Blessed be his memory.

Memorials may be directed to the Balaton United Methodist Church.