Lucilia E. Habich

Habich, Lucilia E. (Nee Rathke) of Appleton, formerly of Grafton. As a child of God, she completed her earthly journey and went to her heavenly home on March 8, 2011 age 95 yrs. Lucilia Elise was born on January 11, 1916 to Herman and Ilma (Wiepking) Rathke. She was united in marriage to George Habich on September 7, 1940 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grafton and was his devoted wife for 70 years. Survivors include husband, George of Appleton; daughters Kathleen (Richard) Maronek of Appleton and Beth (David) Fritz of Cedarburg. She was the beloved grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of 17. She is also survived by her younger brother Dr. William (Eleanor) Hinz of Fredonia and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Brother Luther Lutz Rathke; sisters Ilma Tews and Gertrude Rooney; step-brother Elroy Hinz and step-sister Marion Hanschke. Lucilias life reflected her Christian beliefs and values which were strongly influenced by her maternal grandparents with whom she spent much time during her early childhood years after loosing her father in the 1919 flu epidemic. Her passions in life were her love of God and her family. She was always there to lend a helping hand, support those in need, or give words of encouragement. Her happiest times were those surrounded by those she loved so dearly. She looked forward to visits from family and hearing about activities of her grandchildren and great- grandchildren. During the years spent in Grafton, she was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where she was active in the LWML, Altar Guild, and Ladies Aid. Lucilia was a talented seamstress, making many of her own clothes, sewing for other people and doing alterations for a mens clothing store. She always had a garden, canning and freezing the produce. She worked for many years at Fromm Laboratories in Grafton. After retirement, she and George enjoyed traveling and moved to their retirement home on Post Lake until health concerns caused them to relocate closer to family in Appleton. Even then, her hands were never idle. She knit and crocheted countless afghans, sweaters, mittens, and caps for her grandchildren and church organizations until her eyesight failed. She and George were currently living at Heritage Woods, an assisted living facility in Appleton. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 11, 2011 2:30 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church 701 Washington St. Grafton. Interment church cemetery. Instate at the church on Friday, 1:00 PM until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Grafton; Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Appleton or Concordia University Wisconsin Foundation/Lutheran Hospital Nurses Alumni Assoc. Endowment. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Grafton; Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Appleton or Concordia University Wisconsin Foundation/Lutheran Hospital Nurses Alumni Assoc. Endowment. Cemetery: Church Cemetery following service Visitation: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church 701 Washington St. Grafton, WI 53024 on March 11, 2011 (map/driving directions) Service: 2:30 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church 701 Washington St. Grafton, WI 53024 on March 11, 2011 (map/driving directions)