Verna C. Habeck

Verna C. Habeck passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in Weston, WI. She was born on November 5, 1932, in Black River Falls, WI, to the late Warren and Muriel (Engebretson) Lyon. Verna was a woman of great kindness, adventurous spirit, and unyielding optimism, whose light shone brightly in the lives of all who knew her.

Verna enjoyed school and participated in Glee Club and played trumpet in the high school band. Verna's diligent work ethic and commitment to service were evident from a young age.  At just 19, she served as the supervisor for the Separations and Detachments unit at Ft. McCoy until it was deactivated. Her career then took her to Tomahawk, where she worked a number of years at Owens Illinois in the main office, before moving to Rothschild. There, Verna began her long-spanning career with Intercity State Bank and later, Wausau Insurance. She found her calling at Wausau Insurance, starting in the Claims Department, before transferring to the Credit Union, where she spent over 25 years. She loved helping each member as a Personal Loan Officer.

Beyond her professional life, Verna was deeply involved in her community. She was a member of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church for over 40 years, where she served on the church board. For the last 10 years, she was a dedicated member of St Mark’s Lutheran Church. Verna generously contributed to many charities, notably the American Heart Association and The National Kidney Foundation. Retirement did not slow Verna down as she volunteered many hours at Colonial Manor, further demonstrating her kind and giving nature.

Verna's zest for life was infectious. She enjoyed bowling for many years on a Friday night league and challenged herself through participation in the Wausau Insurance Gavel Club. When the kids were young, you could see the camper head up north for a long weekend. She always supported and encouraged her children's interests. Verna had a love for humor, often sharing or enjoying a good joke with friends and family. She loved to dance, often showing off her jitterbug moves. Verna spoke fondly of her Norwegian heritage and enjoyed sharing stories of her travels to Japan and Germany. She made holidays special for her family and for her extended family. Ralph and Verna (known as Liz to many) enjoyed many travels and shared good times together. She cared about his grandsons and great-granddaughters as if they were her own. Dining out in restaurants with friends and family brought her much joy.

Verna was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Habeck; her parents, Warren and Muriel (Engebretson); her brother and sister-in-law, Dewey and Marlene Lyon; eight brothers and two sisters of Al’s and their spouses; and her long-time friend, Ralph Goetsch. She is survived by her loving children, Brad (Sue Sickler) Habeck of Schofield, WI, Nancy (Jake) Hinker of Lakewood, IL, and Kay (Greg) Bennett of Williamsburg, VA. Verna also leaves behind her brother-in-law, Don Habeck, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Verna's life was marked by her enduring kindness, adventurous spirit, years of good health, and unwavering optimism. Her legacy will forever be remembered in the hearts of those she touched. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 600 Stevens Drive, Wausau, with Rev. Eric Hauan officiating.  Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.  Entombment will take place in the Restlawn Memorial Chapel Mausoleum.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.