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BORN
1934
DIED
2024
WILLI HABERERN Obituary
Willi Haberern aged 90 years passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospital, with family by his side.
Willi was born in Malthern, Czechoslovakia to Michael and Susanne Haberern. He had an older brother Michael and younger sister Irene. He left home at the young age of 17 to find work opportunities in West Germany. He worked there as a carpenter's apprentice. Two years later in 1953, he had the opportunity to come to Canada. He lived with relatives in Hamilton, Ontario and worked on their tobacco farm. In 1957 he moved north to Fort William to work in the forestry industry, logging trees and running a skidder.
On one of his trips back home, he met the love of his life, Valeria, in Toporec, Czechoslovakia. They married on January 10, 1969. Soon afterwards, they welcomed the birth of their 2 daughters: Bonnie and Vivien. Willi found that working out of town was difficult for his young family since he was away so much. It was then that he returned to his passion, working in carpentry doing renovations and smaller building projects. He took great pride in his work and befriended many customers along the way.
Willi was a hard worker, great provider, and had a strong faith in God. His church and church family at Trinity Lutheran meant a lot to him. In the last 18 years of his life he became a grandpa (Opa) to Josh and Leah. They were his pride and joy. Thunder Bay really became his home. Willi and Val were so happy to have their cousin Rudy and family and close friends in their daily lives.
Willi is survived by his wife Valeria (nee Bobakova), daughters Bonnie (Malcolm) Rogerson, Vivien Haberern, grandchildren Joshua and Leah Rogerson, sister Irene Lorenz in Germany, and nieces and nephews. Willi is predeceased by his parents Michael and Susanne Haberern, and brother Michael Haberern.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 19th at 11:00am in Trinity Lutheran Church, 560 May Street North, with Pastor Brian Falkenholt officiating. A private interment will be held at a later date. Should friends so desire, donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or the charity of choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
Please sign online condolences at everestofthunder.com
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Memories and Condolences
for WILLI HABERERN
6 Entries
Wilma
April 19, 2024
Our sincere condolences to you Valerie and family .may your great memories console you in the days to come Mac and Wilma Tamblyn
Leandro, Mariann, Robin & Katrina Frigeri
April 19, 2024
Willi was a friend to all. We shared many joyful and happy times at his home and our Lenore Lake camp together with his Slovak friends. Ever cheerful, thoughtful and considerate of his family and others, he was always ready to give a hand or helpful advice. It was a pleasure to listen to his keen insights into politics and world affairs. Only a few years ago he came to our yard to fell a stately pine, likely his last but he prevailed. The pine ,like Willi, weathered both sun and storm, testimony to the will to live and prosper until his time was called. May his spirit live on in his family and good deeds. We miss you Willi.
Dubray family
April 14, 2024
How deeply saddened I was to hear of Willi´s passing. So kind thoughtful and loving. I will never forget the kindness he showed my family and I when we joined Trinity Lutheran Church...or his help putting in a door for us as well as changing a post or two many many years ago. Thank you Willi for showing Garret much kindness. To Val, Bonnie Vivian and family we send our sincere condolences. May you find comfort in knowing how much he was loved and appreciated...
Laura
April 13, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was always so kind. I remember dinners at your house so often..especially when your mom made dumplings with jam and cocoa sauce!
Sincerely,
Laura Delgaty
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Wendy Wilen-O'Connor
April 13, 2024
Dear Viv and family. Sorry to read of the passing of your Dad, husband and grandpa. I will remember him as a true gentleman. Peace be with you
Wendy and family
Tracy Stowell
April 13, 2024
Dear Vivien & Val,
Though it has been a while since last seeing you both at the ladies retreat, I was sad to hear that you are grieving the loss of your dad/husband. Sending hugs & pray you get through this tough time by holding onto the good memories of your lives together. Take care!
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