George Louis Habich

George, age 99, went to his heavenly home on June 22, 2014 after a short illness. George was born March 31, 1915 to George and Ella (Fischer) Habich. He was united in marriage to Lucilia Rathke on September 7, 1940 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grafton and they spent over 70 wonderful years together. Lucilia preceded him in death in 2011. He was a quiet and gentle man who greatly loved his family. Survivors include daughters Kathleen (Richard) Maronek of Appleton and Beth (David) Fritz of Eau Claire; grandchildren Kris VanHandel, Paul Maronek, Jeffrey Maronek, and Heather Buchanan, all of the Appleton area, Brian Fritz of Middleton, Steven Fritz of White Bear Lake, MN, and Jennifer Priem of Eau Claire; 17 great-grandchildren; sisters Lillian Schreiner and Rose Gentz; brother-in-law Dr. William (Ellie) Hinz; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Harold Habich and sister Elinore Nelson. George grew up in Grafton and after graduating from Grafton High School joined the Civilian Conservation Corps where he served at camps in Three Lakes, WI and Waters Meet, MI during the mid 1930s. This experience greatly influenced his love of the north woods and his desire to conserve our beautiful natural resources. In retirement, he and Lucilia moved to their retirement home on Post Lake. During that time, George volunteered at the CCC Museum in Rhinelander where he enjoyed informing visitors of his experiences as a member of the CCC and its importance in building the national forests and parks we all enjoy today. His great pleasures were hunting and fishing, especially the annual Wisconsin deer hunt. His love of the outdoors was passed on to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His years at Post Lake among the northern forests and lakes were happy ones for him. In 2008, he and Lucilia moved to Heritage Woods, an assisted living facility in Appleton. He enjoyed visits from family, walks outdoors as weather permitted, country drives, and following his favorite sports teams on TV. While living in Grafton, he was an active member of the Grafton Fire Department for many years and member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. He was an employee of the International Harvester Company in Milwaukee until his retirement. Funeral services will be held on Thursday June 26, 2:30 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 701 Washington St. Grafton. Interment to follow at church cemetery. In state at the church at 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.