Loris Habegger
Loris Habegger, 91, died on Sept. 30,
2009, at Via Christi Regional Medical Center-St. Francis campus in
Wichita.
Loris was born on Jan. 9, 1918, in
rural Berne, Ind., the eldest of two children. He had a younger
sister, Helen.
Loris attended Adams County District
No. 7 Grade School and graduated from Monroe High School in 1935. He
was an active member of First Mennonite Church of Berne.
Loris remained in the family home until
1941, helping his father with the farm operation. Loris entered
Civilian Public Service in 1941, serving first with Indiana Fish and
Game and then at the Marlboro State Hospital in Marlboro, N.J.
While serving in Marlboro, he met
Evelyn Regier. They were married on Aug. 9, 1945.
Following Civilian Public Service,
Loris and Evelyn moved to North Newton in 1945, where he completed
his undergraduate degree at Bethel College. Loris served as pastor of
First Mennonite Church in Halstead from 1947 to 1954. He served as
pastor of Wayland Mennonite Church in Wayland, Iowa, from 1954 to
1960, as associate in development at Associated Mennonite Biblical
Seminary in Elkhart, Ind., from 1960 to 1968, as pastor of Grace
Mennonite Church in Pandora, Ohio, from 1968 to 1972, as General
Conference general editor in Newton from 1972 to 1977, as associate
pastor at Eden Mennonite Church in Moundridge from 1977 to 1982 and
as pastor of Zion Mennonite Church in Elbing from 1982 to 1987. He
also served interimships at Trinity Mennonite Church in Hillsboro,
and Goessel Mennonite Church in Goessel. Throughout his working
years, Loris remained busy, participating in numerous church and
civic organizations, teaching school in Halstead and Wayland, and
pursuing photography.
During his retirement years, Loris
continued to be involved in Bethel College Mennonite Church in North
Newton and Newton communities. He was active in the Area Council on
Aging, Northview Opportunity Center, the Victim Offender program, the
Lions Club and the local Meals on Wheels program. Loris, with Evelyn,
also enjoyed trips to visit children and grandchildren, travel to
Switzerland and the Caribbean, and regular local family
get-togethers. In the later years, he continued to savor the many
friendships, opportunities and activities available in the North
Newton community. Loris and Evelyn moved to Moundridge Memorial Home
in early 2004 due to failing health.
Loris was preceded in death by his
parents, Arman and Hilegunda Sprunger Habegger, and his wife, Evelyn
Regier Habegger.
He is survived and will be dearly
missed by his sister, Helen Habegger of Berne, Ind.; his children,
Arman and Sue Habegger of Pandora, Ohio, Bob and Lorna Harder of
Hesston, and Richard and Carol Habegger of Winston-Salem, N.C.; his
grandchildren, Luke (Martha) and Leigh Habegger, Tre (Mandy) Jones,
and Randy and Kevin Hart; and his great-granddaughters, Jandria
Wetherald, and Jaed and Tristan Jones.
Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m.
Friday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton.
Memorial service will be at 10 a.m.
Saturday at Bethel College Mennonite Church in North Newton.
