Services held for former longtime Valley secretary

Lillian L. Habeger, 94, of Elgin died Sunday, July 21, 2013, at the Good Samaritan Center – West Union. 

Funeral services were held Friday, July 26, at First Baptist Church in Elgin with the Rev. Lee Boleyn as the officiant.

Burial was in God’s Acres in Clermont.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elgin was in charge of arrangements.

Lillian Lavanda (Krueger) Habeger was born Oct. 28, 1918, to Edwin and Marietta “Metta” (Miller) Krueger in Elgin. 

She was baptized at First Baptist Church in Elgin as a young girl. 

She graduated from Elgin High School in 1936.

On Feb. 26, 1937, Lillian was united in marriage with Abraham Habeger at First Baptist Church in Elgin. Three children were born to this union. 

Lillian was a homemaker and a secretary at Valley High School for 22 years before retiring in 1979. 

Before moving to West Union, she lived on the farm for 70 years, including 24 years after Abe died in 1985.

Lillian was a very active lifelong member of First Baptist Church, serving as choir director and singing alto in the choir, teaching Sunday school, leading Bible study and Women’s Ministries, and serving as the church treasurer for many years. 

She belonged to the Professional Business Women’s Association in Elgin and was a 4-H leader. She and Abe were also members of the American Shorthorn Association. 

Lillian loved music, playing the piano, performing in a musical quartet in her early married years, sewing and quilting; she made many quilts for her family, friends, high school graduates and church members. She was happiest when active with her hands. She also enjoyed her vegetable and flower gardens, helping others, and traveling extensively in the United States, as well as to Europe and Hawaii. 

Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Abe Habeger, on March 18, 1985; and her siblings, Edward Krueger, Esther O’Dell, Lyle Krueger and Kenton Krueger

Sh is survived by her children Anthony (Beverly) Habeger of Clermont, Terry (Nancy) Habeger of Markesan, Wis., and Vicky (Mel) Moore of Scottsdale, Ariz.; eight grandchildren, Cynthia (Brett) Toms, Travis (Sharon) Habeger, Shawn (Wendy) Moore, Chad (Deanna) Moore, Holly Moore, Heidi (Caleb Pourchot) Habeger, Hans (Jadie Johnston) Habeger, Holly (Mark) Schleicher; and 12 great-grandchildren.