Betty J. Habib

When I was a mortal, living and working on earth, my name was Betty Jane Gregor Habib. Today, I am at home in heaven with my Lord and Savior. Please be happy for me, as I had often said I wanted to be with God and reunited with all the loved ones gone before.I was the fourth child born to my parents, Anton Joseph and Alma (nee Berger) Gregor. I was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin and lived there my entire life with the exception of a short time residing in Chicago, Illinois. I was baptized at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church and attended St. Peter's grade school and Roosevelt Junior High School. I graduated from Goodrich High School in Fond du Lac and, one week after I graduated, I went to Chicago, where I was employed by the War Department. I later transferred to the Treasury Department in the Merchandise Mart, also in Chicago. During the Christmas season, I worked part time as a billing clerk at the Montgomery Ward warehouse. I enjoyed every minute of my life in Chicago but, because of illness in the family, I was forced to terminate my employment and return to Fond du Lac. The most memorable of my recollections from those days was being awakened by our house mother on June 6, 1944 to be told of the invasion of Europe. Churches rapidly filled throughout the city with people crying and praying for the troops. Little did I know that my future husband, George, was at that time landing on Omaha Beach in France and that his bravery in that fierce battle would earn him the Distinguished Service Cross, among other medals. Upon my return to Fond du Lac, I was employed by Stateson's Restaurant, Modern Cafe, Kieckhaefer's and Giddings & Lewis. I ultimately found the ideal fit at the former Wisconsin Home for Women, now Taycheedah Correctional Institution, where I was employed for 43 years, retiring as Executive Secretary to the Warden.I met George Habib when he was selling war bonds at a show while on leave from the United States Army. We kept in touch for the remainder of his service and eventually married on October 16, 1950 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Dubuque, Iowa. After our marriage, I assisted him in the management and operation of the Cue Club and The Hub in Fond du Lac, both owned by George. My first child, a son, died at birth, but I was blessed with three healthy babies who were the lights of my life. During my working years, I was an active member of the National Secretaries Association, Toastmaster's International and the Fond du Lac Humane Society. After retirement, I volunteered at the Salvation Army nursery and St. Peter's Lutheran Church and School, where I assisted in the office and was blessed with the opportunity to read to the children in the 4th grade class. I was very sad when declining eyesight forced me to abandon this endeavor. I also had the opportunity to travel the country and visited almost all of the contiguous United States.I loved children, animals and a rainy day. Birds and squirrels could count on a good meal and drink of water at my house any time of year and I was rewarded greatly by the frolicking antics of the squirrels and a pair of robins who built their nest in the cedar outside my front door for many a spring. When I left this world on February 19, 2013, I left behind my daughters Mary Ann Feare and her husband Jack and Merici Angela Habib; my son, George Anthony Habib; my grandchildren, Angela Shawn (Grant) Zodrow and her husband John, Kelly Jo Habib, and Jesse George Feare; great-grandchildren, Jenna Elizabeth, Elliat Reese and J. Emmet Otto Zodrow; and beloved nieces and nephews. In addition, I leave behind my special friends, Debra Habib and Jack and Judy Krueger, who helped me in so many ways.I was blessed with outstanding medical care throughout my life, notably from Dr. Haydar Saleh and Dr. John Lent. The employees and volunteers at Agnesian Hospice Home of Hope were attentive and kind both to me and my children, and I thank them for the comfort provided to me and my family and friends during this difficult transition. Pastor Michael Zuberbier of St. Peter's gave me the comfort of the word of God and the Lord's Supper when I was no longer able to attend services and Rose Orvis of the congregation at St. Peter's was diligent in providing me with recorded copies of the weekly services that I missed. I thank them both for their kindness. Those who went before me include my husband of 29 years, George; infant son Joseph Marvin; my dear brother Harland Marvin; infant sister Lorraine Virginia; and infant brother, Gordon Darcy. My sweet cat and constant companion of recent years, Cookie, also left me shortly before my own passing.I would appreciate it if those who wish to remember me would donate to the tuition assistance program of St. Peter's Lutheran School or the Fond du Lac County Humane Society.'When Christ shall come with shout of acclamationAnd take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!Then I shall bow in humble adoration,And there proclaim, 'My God, how great thou art!'



Visitation will be held at St Peters Lutheran Church 1600 S. Main St. in Fond du Lac from 9:00 to 11:00 AM on Saturday February 23, 2013 with funeral service to follow. Cremation will take place at a later date with remains laid to rest at Estabrook Cemetery. Uecker-Witt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Additional information and guestbook may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com