Walter F. Habiger

Cimarron - Walter F. Habiger, 95, passed away at his home, surrounded by family, on August 28, 2025. Walter was born on March 8, 1930 at home in Barton County, Kansas to Frank C. and Sophia E. Habiger.

He attended church and school, along with his three sisters and two brothers at St Joseph's in Beaver, Kansas. They were raised with a strong work ethic and a stronger faith. Like many people of this era, they didn't have much but his parents made sure they always had good food and clean clothes. Walter was never one to set still for very long. By age eight, he was hunting and fishing to help feed the family. When asked about this responsibility at such a young age, he would answer; I was just living every young boy's dream.' He was made tough by the times that he lived in.

In December of 1950, Walter joined the Navy. He served on the USS Naifeh DE 352 Destroyer Escort in the Wonson area during the Korean War. During his time in the Navy, Walter developed his appreciation for discipline, boxing and fitness that he carried through the rest of his life. After leaving the Navy, Walter returned to farm near Kalvesta with his parents and his brother Edwin. In 1955, he met the love of his life, Dawn Elda Reed. They were married May 25, 1957 at St Lawerence Catholic Church in Jetmore, Kansas. Together they built their farm & ranch and raised a family. They had 4 daughters, Tina, Mary, Ivy and Betty and one son Bryan. Always good with his hands, Walter built a playhouse for his girls and a raised fort for Bryan. One winter he built a snow sled to pull behind the pickup which was a favorite for his kids. No matter how busy, Walter made time for family.

Walter took great joy in his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved to take them to check cattle or just drive around the pasture. Many memories were made swimming and fishing at the pond. He attended as many school activities, sporting events and 4-H events as he could. Grandpa was a title he wore with pride!

Walter taught, by example, the importance of hard work and faith. From his time in the Navy to the lngalls School board, church and 4-H when called Walter served. He never asked for much always putting others first. He raised his family with love and a firm hand. He respected the land he farmed and took pride in the cattle he raised. Walter was a quiet man but when he did talk it was worth listening to. He approached all business dealings with integrity and honesty.

Walter is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Dawn Elda Habiger; daughters, Tina Kasselman, Ivy Wehkamp and husband Kenny, and Betty Mae Jantz; his sister, Alice Cahoon; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his son, Bryan; daughter Mary; his parents, Frank and Sophia Habiger; brothers, Edwin Habiger and Sylvester Habiger; and sisters, Pauline Radke and Leona Ehrlich Dome. He will be forever in our hearts and cherished by all who knew him.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Ingalls on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow at Cimarron Cemetery with military honors by the United States Navy Honor Guard and Southwest Kansas Veterans Funeral Honors. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Cimarron on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Vigil Service will be held at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Ingalls Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Prairie in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.