SPARTA - Edith (Mikkelson) Habhegger was born in Vernon County, WI on January 8, 1948. Most of her childhood was spent in the Newry area, on her parents’ farm.
She began her grade school at Homstad School in rural Cashton, and then in the Cashton Public School. When her family moved to Sparta, WI she attended high school there; where she participated in a variety of activities. She was very interested in forensics and debates; and she excelled in business courses. During her last year of high school, she was a live-in nanny for a Sparta Family.
Following graduation, she worked at the Job Corps in the Sparta area. Later, she became employed as a secretary at UW-La Crosse. During that time, she met Ron Greve, who became her first husband. They were married in New Holstein, WI. During their marriage they both enjoyed careers in the education field. Edith became an administrator, and taught students at MBTI (a Milwaukee business college). She also worked at St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee; a position she enjoyed very much.
After 30 years of marriage, Ron passed away.
Later, she came to Sparta frequently to visit her father, Victor Mikkelson. During some of these visits she saw and renewed her friendship with a former classmate, Wally Habhegger. After dating for some time, they married during the Christmas season, 17 years ago.
Since then, they have enjoyed visits with their families and many friends; hosting holiday parties, and family reunions. They also enjoyed spending time at their time-share in the Hayward/Cable area.
Several years ago, Edith began volunteering in many venues; including the tutoring of students who needed additional help, assisting with church events and delivering bulletins to members who were shut-ins, and other community projects. One of her favorite efforts was when she began volunteering at the newly founded thrift shop, Mary Morrow’s Attic. She took great pride in managing the shop, with the assistance of many other dedicated volunteers. Proceeds were designated for the Morrow Home Community Nursing Home, and occasionally for other worthy causes, as well. This enabled the nursing home to purchase some special equipment, they would not have been able to purchase without help.
Edith was an excellent cook and baker. She would often contribute baked goods for special events, or families who were going through challenging times.
Recently, Edith was honored to be designated Lady Butterfest, for that year’s special celebration, as recognition for her contributions of time and talent, for the community. She was very appreciative of that recognition, as many others had received such a recognition previously.
She and Wally were very fervently active in supporting Freedom Honor Flights, for Veterans; soliciting funds from businesses and individuals, to fund these trips. Edith would often create lovely theme-based gift baskets; which were sold at silent auctions to add to the proceeds.
Loved ones who preceded her in death were her parents; parents-in-law; former husband, Ron Greve; brother, Dan Mikkelson; brother-in-law, Ken White; sister-in-law, Lillie Habhegger; and niece, Devon Jensen.
Edith is survived by her husband, Wally; sisters-in-law, Linda Habhegger, Janet Habhegger and Sandy (Tom) Lechler; brother-in-law, Clarence Habhegger; siblings, Margi (Alfred) Namejunas, Myrna White, and Karen Geier; many nieces and nephews; and the children and families of many dear friends. Edith will be missed by all who knew and loved her; for her friendliness, generous spirit, and the joy she brought to all who knew and loved her.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 18, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sparta, with Reverend Josh Buzbee officiating. Burial will be in Moen Cemetery, in Cashton.
A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2024 at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta; and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Monday, at the church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
