The man. The myth. The legend. Men wanted to be him, and women wanted to be with him. Jerry Ray Habben, 63, of Morrison, IL, died Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at Rock River Hospice and Home, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Jerry was born on November 4, 1955, in Morrison, the son of Ray and Mary Jane (Mort) Habben. He grew up on a farm in Round Grove; he loved living in the country and raising animals, including his beloved coon hounds. Jerry attended the one-room Round Grove school house through 8th grade. In his early adult years he built houses with his brother, Bob, and then moved on to a job at IBP in Joslin, IL. Eventually, Jerry found a job closer to his home and family; he worked at Lawrence Brothers Hardware for 15 years until the plant closed down. For the last 15 years, Jerry has been employed at Wahl Clipper Corporation, where he rarely missed a day of work, and stayed on night shift, because, as he always said, there was less drama.
Jerry loved spending time with his family. His grandchildren always held a special place in his heart. He also enjoyed socializing with his friends at work, hanging out in his garage, fixing everything and anything, Saturday night pizza, gardening, and having a few cold ones.
Survivors include son, Joshua Habben, of Morrison; daughters Julie (Craig) Mashaw and Jillian (Alec) Crandall, of Sterling, IL; mother, Mary Jane Habben, of Morrison; brother, Robert (Pam) Habben and sister, Debara Dickau, of Morrison, twin sister Joann (Duane) Vanderlaan, of Rock Falls, IL; six grandchildren, Danika Habben, of Dubuque, IA, Tanner, Adylyn, Alec, Jr., and Easton Crandall, Zander Mashaw, of Sterling; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Habben.
At Jerry’s request there will be no visitation or funeral service scheduled.
Cremation rites will be accorded.
A private inurnment will take place at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL.
A Celebration of Life Party will be held Memorial Day Weekend; details will be announced later.
A memorial has been set up to purchase a park bench at Morrison-Rockwood State Park in his memory.
Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.