Bernard Henry Habing
Obituary
Bernard Habing passed away peacefully in the company of his family on March 31, 2023, just three months shy of his 95th birthday. Together with his father, Ben Habing, they worked since 1943 to establish the Habing Family Funeral Home in Gilroy.
He married Ruth Kramer in 1949 and was married for 63 years before her passing in 2012. Together, they raised six children who survive them: Kathleen (Howard), William (Gloria), Susan (Manuel), Cynthia (Richard), James (Andrea) and Stephen (Dianne). The family worked together in the funeral business for many years until he retired, and in 1984, Jim, Steve and Susan took over.
He was the only child of Ben and Rose Habing, and came to California from Illinois during the great depression. He was an avid pilot earning commercial licenses, instrument ratings and operated an aviation business.
Bernard was active on the board and involved in the building of South Valley Hospital in the late 1980s, recognizing the need for a larger and more modern health facility to serve the Gilroy community.
He and Ruth were parishioners at St. Mary Parish, and their children attended the school. He was a long time member of the Gilroy Elks Lodge, the Knights Columbus, and The Flying Funeral Directors of America.
In addition to their six children, Bernard has 17 grandchildren: Michael, Tori, Danny, Sheila, Manny, Denise, Ben, Don, Tim, Casey, Dylan, Jason, Katie, Amy, Cindy, Alyssa and Andrew. He has 22 great-grandchildren. The celebration of his 90th birthday brought 56 descendants and their spouses together to honor a life well-lived.
A Visitation was held Monday, April 3, 2023, at 5 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7 p.m. both at Habing Family Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Mary Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 10 a.m. Burial followed at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park next to his wife Ruth.
Family would appreciate donations to be made to St. Mary Parish or School or to your favorite charity.
Published in Gilroy Dispatch · April 4, 2023