Habegger, Alfred (1892-1956)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2 Feb 1956 p. 8

Birth date: 1892

text of obituary:

REV. ALFRED HABEGGER

Rev. Alfred Habegger was born on July 26, 1892, near Berne, Ind., the son of David and Elizabeth Habegger.

In 1908 he was baptized upon confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior in the First Mennonite Church of Berne. He was married to Barbara Hirschy on August 17, 1913.

Having been called by God to enter missionary work, the prepared themselves and graduated from Bethel College in 1916. He was granted the master's degree after a year of post-graduate work at Bluffton College.

In March 1918 Bro. Habegger was ordained as minister and on June 1, 1918, he and his wife and baby son arrived in Busby, Mont. to begin a life of missionary work among the Cheyenne Indians.

He diligently learned the Cheyenne language that all might understand the Word he preached. In 1919 they moved to Birney Mission for a year, but thereafter returned to Busby for many years of service. Many will remember his messages, his singing, his counseling, and his Sunday trips by horseback to the tent church up the river near Kirby.

Seven children were born to Rev. and Mrs. Habegger: Marden, Jeanne, Helen, Esther, David, Lois, and Bernhard who died in infancy.

In 1949 they moved to the Lame Deer Mission where they have ministered to the present time. On Jan. 17, 1956, Bro. Habegger completed his work when he helped Mrs. Grace Scalpcane plan a program. The same day he was called to his eternal heavenly Home, after 38 years of service for the Lord among the Cheyennes of Montana.