Habegger, Loris (1918-2009)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2009 Nov 9 p. 9

Birth date: 1918 Jan 9

text of obituary:

LORIS HABEGGER

Loris Habegger, 91, of Moundridge, Kan., died Sept. 30, 2009. He was born Jan. 9, 1918, to Arman and Hilegunda Sprunger Habegger in rural Berne, Ind.

He graduated from Monroe High School in 1935. He was an active member of First Mennonite Church of Berne. He entered Civilian Public Service in 1941, serving first with Indiana Fish and Game and then at Marlboro (N.J.) State Hospital. While serving in Marlboro he met Evelyn Regier, and they were married on Aug. 9, 1945.

After CPS, he and Evelyn moved to North Newton in 1945, where he completed his undergraduate degree at Bethel College. He served as pastor of First Mennonite Church, Halstead, 1947 to 1954; pastor of Wayland (Iowa) Mennonite Church, 1954-60; associate in development at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind., 1960-68; pastor of Grace Mennonite Church, Pandora, Ohio, 1968-72; General Conference Mennonite Church general editor in Newton, 1972-77; associate pastor at Eden Mennonite Church, Moundridge, 1977-82; and pastor of Zion Mennonite Church, Elbing, 1982-87. He also served interim pastorates at Trinity Mennonite Church, Hillsboro, and Goessel Mennonite Church. He participated in church and civic organizations, taught school in Halstead and Wayland, and pursued photography.

In retirement years he continued to be involved in Bethel College Mennonite Church. He was active in the Area Council on Aging, Northview Opportunity Center, Offender Victim Ministries, Lions Club and Meals on Wheels. He and Evelyn enjoyed trips to visit children and grandchildren and traveled to Switzerland and the Caribbean. They moved to Moundridge Memorial Home in early 2004.

Survivors include his sister, Helen Habegger of Berne, Ind.; his children, Arman and Sue Habegger, Pandora, Ohio, Bob and Lorna Harder, Hesston, and Richard and Carol Habegger, Winston-Salem, N.C.; five grandchildren and three great-granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his wife.

Memorial services were held at Bethel College Mennonite Church.