Yvonne Habedank

Yvonne Habedank, age 99, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Thief River Care Center in Thief River Falls. Her birth name, given to her by her mother and each of her sisters was Oreal Kathleen Genevieve Yvonne Thomalla . She was baptized into the Christian faith, which remained a guiding light throughout her life.

Yvonne attended country school near Skime, Minnesota, and graduated from Roseau High School with the Class of 1943. She went on to attend Moorhead State College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.

Before her marriage, Yvonne taught at schools in Wild Rice, North Dakota; Newfolden, Minnesota; and Northrop Elementary in Thief River Falls.

On August 12, 1950, Yvonne was united in marriage to Kenneth Habedank in Moorhead, Minnesota. Together, they settled in the Mavie community, living on a farm there for 37 years and building a life rooted in family and hard work.

Three children were born to this union: Richard, Bonnie Jo, and Stephanie.

Following their marriage, Yvonne continued her teaching career at the Goodridge School. In the early 1960s, she returned to the Thief River Falls School District, teaching at Northrop Elementary until her retirement in 1987.

In recognition of her dedication to education and her impact on generations of students, Yvonne was honored by the Minnesota Education Association and appeared on the cover of one of its publications.

Yvonne had a wide variety of interests. She enjoyed gardening, baking and working on word search puzzles. She loved traveling, with memorable trips to Hawaii and Europe. She was an avid reader of health-related books and publications, was a dedicated spoon collector, took great pleasure in gathering helpful hints on a wide range of topics and was a chocoholic.

Following her retirement, Yvonne participated in exercise classes three times per week - for over 30 years - at the Heritage Center in Thief River Falls, earning a free membership when she reached her 90s. In 2018, she purchased a new vehicle after wearing out her previous one, and proudly renewed her driver's license at the age of 98-an inspiring testament to her independence and vitality. She also had an official back seat driver's license and Kenneth called her "lead foot" after numerous episodes of ditch rescues at the start of winter each year.

Survivors include her three children: Richard Habedank of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; Bonnie Jo (Al) Kyles of Ennis, Montana; and Stephanie (Eric Davis) Habedank of Bel Air, Maryland; grandson, Stephen (Abigale) Kampa of St. Augustine, Florida; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, August and Bergit Thomalla; and all her siblings, Marie Thomalla, Ethel Simons, and Delores Smith, and daughter-in-law, Linda Huebsch (Richard's spouse).

Yvonne wrote, "Thank you to all friends and neighbors who helped Mother remain in her home."

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Glaucoma Research Foundation or the charity of your choice.

Funeral Service: Johnson Funeral Service, 420 LaBree Avenue North, Thief River Falls, MN at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, with visitation from Noon until 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com