Gerald John Haberman

Gerald John Haberman, Moses Lake resident, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, December 2, 2009. Gerald was born on 11/29/27, in Gregory, South Dakota, son of the late Leonard and Mary Haberman. He was the eldest of six children and attended "country school" and worked on the family farm in Fordyce, Nebraska. He graduated from Cedar Catholic High School in Hartington, Nebraska. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1945. In 1952 he met Shirley Horton in Hastings, Nebraska and they married in 1953. Six children were born to this union: Greg, Susan, Angie, Daniel (Joe), Julie and Gerald John Jr. They made their home in Norfolk, then Hartington, then Hastings, NE. In 1962, the family moved to the Los Angeles, CA. area, where Gerald's two younger brothers, Dennis and Ronald, resided with their families. Gerald worked for U.S. Growers, a cold storage warehouse for 10 years, before moving the family to Vista, CA. where he worked for the school district in various capacities. In 1983, Gerald and Shirley moved to Wenatchee, WA, where three of their children resided. Gerald and Shirley lived in East Wenatchee for approximately twenty years. They were members of Holy Apostles Catholic Church and spent much time with their children and grandchildren. Gerald loved to be with family and especially enjoyed playing, teasing, and laughing with the grandchildren. Gerald was employed at Skookum fruit warehouse, where he helped operate the retail outlet known as "The Backporch". It was here that many people came to know him as the friendly "appleman", as he was always offering customers a "taste test" of the various apple varieties before they decided to make a purchase. He spent much of his spare time tending his "fantatstic" tomato garden and growing many varieties of plants and flowers. Gerald and Shirley would also take small excursions into the countryside to see the sights and enjoy a little fishing with family and friends. In 2003, Gerald and Shirley celebrated 50 years of marriage. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Moses Lake, WA, to be close to family in order to help care for Shirley, who had been diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis. Gerald was very involved with Shirley's care until he was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2007. He underwent aggressive treatment and was declared colon cancer free in 2008. Gerald again did all he could to care for and support his wife Shirley. In February of 2009, he was diagnosed with terminal esophageal cancer. He fought a very brave battle and amazed many with his ability to endure. Gerald was a loyal and loving husband and father and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. We entrust his soul to Jesus Christ, the Divine Mercy. He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-six years ,Shirley of Moses Lake; 2 sons: Joe of Moses Lake, Greg and wife Nona of Farmer, WA; 3 daughters: Susan and husband John of Mason, OH, Angie and husband Mark of Ollala, WA, Julie and husband Joe of Ephrata, WA., 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents: Leonard and Mary Haberman, and one son, Gerald John Jr. The Holy Rosary will be prayed at 5:00 p.m. Sunday, December 6, 2009 at Kayser's Chapel of Memories in Moses Lake. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 7, 2009 at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church with Father Seamus Kerr as celebrant. Viewing will be held at Kayser's Chapel of Memories on Friday , Dec. 4, from noon until 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 5, from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Internment will follow in Ephrata at the St. Rose of Lima Cemetery. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel and Crematory, in Moses Lake. Please sign the online book or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com.

Gerald John Haberman

November 29, 1927 - December 2, 2009