Habel, Gerald Roy (Died)

HABEL, Gerald Roy - Gerald Habel passed away on August 11, 2016, at the age of 72. Gerry was married for 51 years to Margaret Habel (Miller). Loving father of Christopher, Jennifer Mulligan (Brian), and Karen Hartleib (Darryl). Grandfather to Nathan, Hailey, Lauren, Dylan, Avery, and Reese. He is survived by sisters, Jeanne Stere (Wayne), Connie Dammeier (Doug), Winnie Habel; sisters-in-law, Ann Habel and Jean Habel; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Wallace and Jane Miller, Evelyn and Neil Coulthard, Mary and Jerry MacMillan, Lois and Don Horne; his aunt and uncle, Audrey and Henry Hiebert, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents, Wilfred and Reta (Wagner) Habel; brothers, John (Jack) Habel, Robert (Bob) Habel; brother-in-law, Howard Eichler; and nephew, Keith MacMillan. Gerry was one of the first students in Conestoga College's mechanical engineering technology program. For ten years, Gerry ran a family dairy farm in Earlton, Ontario. Over the years he was a welder, draftsman, trucker, construction supervisor, and machinery designer. His collection of premium Farmalls reflected both his love of farming and mechanical design. Gerry wore many hats in his lifetime. He was President of the Temiskaming Federation of Agriculture; Director of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture; Plattsville Masonic Lodge Master; Wilson North District Secretary; Grand Lodge Steward, and Director of the Ontario Plowmen's Association. A life-long musician, he played the piano, accordion, fiddle, and mandolin, and was a member of the Ole Country Mishaps band. Gerry led a life full of varied interests and will be missed by family, friends, and the Tractor Breakfast Club. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 20 at 1p.m. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sebastopol-Tavistock. The service will include a Masonic ceremony. Cremation has taken place. Memorial donations in Gerry's name may be made to Lutheran World Relief, the Masonic Chip Program, or the Canadian Diabetes Association. Donations may be made through the FRANCIS FUNERAL HOME at P.O. Box 208 Tavistock, N0B 2R0, by calling 519-655-2431, or at the church on Saturday