Richard George (“Dick”) Haberle, age 95, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully February 2, 2026, at the Milwaukee VA Hospital, after a short illness.
Richard was born August 28, 1930, in Pierz, Minnesota, to George “Pa” and Susie “Ma” Haberle. Growing up as number 6 in a very large, 6 boys and 6 girls, German Catholic farm family, Richard enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 17, serving a majority of his enlistment (1948-1952) in post-WWII Berlin as a member of the United States Constabulary; an elite military police force tasked with maintaining order in occupied Berlin, which included ensuring the safety of “Berlin Airlift” operations. Upon his discharge from the Army, Richard trained as a tool and die engineer.
Shortly after his marriage in 1954 to his wife of nearly 65-years and a feisty Lutheran, Annie Anderson, Richard and Annie loaded up their possessions and moved from Minneapolis to Southern California. In 1956, Annie gave birth to a son – who must have made such an impression that he wound up being an only child. Over the next 40+ years, Richard and Annie lived in Oregon, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Michigan, finding their way back to Wisconsin in 1998, where they remained.
Richard’s hobbies included reading, cardplaying with his grandson and granddaughter, enjoying his great grandchildren, and providing well-placed sarcasm. He also very much enjoyed donating more than 20+ years of his retirement working with “Habitat for Humanity.”
Richard is survived by his son, Mitch (Gerri), two grandchildren, Mike (Alli) and Katie (Dylan), four great-grandchildren, Mason, Ava, Wes, and Cal, and four siblings, Jerome, Mary Ann, Jimmy, and Kitty.
Richard was proceeded in death by his wife, Annie, his parents, George and Susie, and seven siblings, Fern, Gervie, Betty, Bernie, Cindy, Chee Chee, and Kenny.
The family is keeping arrangements small and holding a private family gathering to celebrate Richard. Sometime in the Spring, Richard will be laid to rest next to his wife, Annie, at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls, Minnesota.
In lieu of flowers and cards, keeping a fond memory of Richard and Annie or saying a prayer works just fine.
Jeff Tilidetzke says
Richard will be missed by all his veteran friends at The American Heroes Cafe and The Piggly Wiggly Veterans group. We enjoyed his soft spoken presence, and his smile when we made him laugh. Rest in peace
Jeff Stevens says
I was very sorry to learn of Dick’s passing. My heart goes out to Mitch, Geri, katie, michael and all of the family. He was a man of great calm integrity.
Hugs to all.
Marcia and Scott Russell says
We will miss Richard. He was a wonderful, sweet and kind man. We enjoyed our times together as he and Annie were great company. God be with you.
The Broe Family says
We are so sorry about your Dad. He was a wonderful man and a good friend to us. Fred Rogers always said “Look for the helpers.” Your Dad certainly was one to us, always. He and your Mom were some of the best neighbors that we ever had.