George Gilbert Haberman

George Haberman, age 78, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 23, 2023 surrounded by his family.

George Gilbert Haberman was born on November 24, 1944 to George and Ann (Smetana) Haberman and was a loving sibling to his two older sisters.

George graduated from Pine City High School in 1962 and enlisted in the United States Navy. George was a member of the Pacific Fleet and served his country during the Vietnam War. After returning from active duty, he graduated from Anoka Technical School and began working for 3M. He then worked the remainder of his career as an Electrician with the St. Paul Local IBEW. 

George married Marita (Watrin) Haberman on September 6, 1969 in Sandstone. Together they raised their two children in Centerville, where George was an involved father and very active as a 4-H leader and religion teacher. In 1996, George and Marita moved back to his home farm in Pine City. 

George was a man dedicated to the service of others. He served as Mayor of Centerville for two terms and was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Beroun. In addition, he was an active member of the Beroun American Legion, the Pine City VFW, and served as Treasurer of the Pine County Veteran’s Council. Beyond formal organizations, George grew a generous vegetable garden and gave away most of the produce, he cleared many neighbor’s driveways of snow each winter, donated many resources to the local homeless shelter, and was ready to help anyone in their time of need. He was an outdoor enthusiast and lover of nature. George adored hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, and time on the farm. Additionally, he enjoyed socializing with family and friends. He loved dancing with Marita, playing cards, and making and sharing his homemade wine. Of course, “Grampy” also cherished his time with his three grandchildren in retirement. 

George is survived by his wife of 54 years Marita Haberman; daughter Kate (Ben) Humphrey; son Peter (Erika Tomten) Haberman; grandchildren Lydia and Austin Humphrey, Claire Haberman; sisters Agnes (Jake) Otterstetter, Phyllis Schlagel; brothers-in-law Richard (Jan) Watrin, Fritz Kuhlman, Dave (Alice) Watrin, Steve (Kathy) Watrin, Joe (Kathy) Watrin; sister-in-law Marie Watrin; as well as many other family members and dear friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law Robert Schlagel Sr., George Watrin, Clifford F. Watrin; sister-in-law Elaine Kuhlman; and many cousins. 

Father Chuck Brambilla will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial for George: 11 AM; Friday, October 6, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Beroun. Friends and family are cordially invited to a visitation at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City from 4-7 PM on Thursday (10/5) with a short prayer service at 7 PM and also one hour prior to the Mass at the church. The interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery, Beroun with military honors. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion in Pine City. 

In lieu of flowers, George requests memorials be made to “A Place For You”, the homeless shelter in Pine City (apfy.org).

Arrangements are entrusted to the Funeral And Cremation Service of Pine City-Swanson Chapel.
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com