"Renae, we went to school together at North Elementary. I remember getting on the bus with you to visit after school at your house. I remember your mother and father, and your sister Vickie. Please accept my sincere sympathy for the loss of your dear father. May you find peace."
In loving memory of
Howard Halbesleben
July 19, 1925 - January 19, 2015
Howard Halbesleben, of Birnamwood, died Monday, January 19, 2015 at Langlade Hospital after suffering a heart attack at home. He was 89 years old. He was born on July 19, 1925 in Aniwa, a son of Arthur and Emma (Nelson) Halbesleben. He married Betty Shadick on December 15, 1951 in Antigo. She survives.
He attended Red Hill grade school, west of Aniwa, and Antigo High School. He served in the United States Army - infantry division in the European Theatre from 1943-1945. He landed on Omaha Beach in France, moved on to Germany and Luxembourg. During his tour of duty he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal and the Oak Leaf Cluster.
He obtained his private pilots license in 1948 and enjoyed flying his own plane, a Taylorcraft. As a young man he was a partner with his father in Halbesleben Portable Sawmill in Aniwa. He also worked at Kraft Foods in Antigo, Aniwa Hardware and later was caretaker of the former Air Force base south of Antigo. From 1960 - 2001 he owned and operated Aniwa Bottled Gas.
He was a member of St. Philomena Catholic Church in Birnamwood since 1965. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7933 in Birnamwood where he served as commander, adjutant and quartermaster. He was also a member of the Paul Marmes Disabled American Veterans Post 23 in Antigo.
Survivors including his wife are four daughters, Vicki (David) Fox of Mountlake Terrace, WA, Renae (Tony) Tushkowski of Eau Claire, Marla (Russ) Mann of Sayner, Lisa (Chris) Butler of Holmen; twelve Grandchildren, Jesse Tilt, Olivia Fox, Tyler and Quinn Tushkowski, Lindsay (Steve) Hietala, Leah (Dennis) Morgan, Jenna Mann, Jared (Ashleigh) Mann, Elizabeth, Noah, Seth and Caleb Butler; ten great grandchildren Evah, Abbigail, Kierah, Isabellah, Colton and Carter Hietala; Trista Morgan, Amber Arnold, Brooklynn and Sophia Tushkowski.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three sisters, Ruby Oberholtzer, Dorothy Haluska, Bernice Gersy; two brothers, Theodore and August Halbesleben.
A memorial Mass will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Philomena Catholic Church with Rev. Anthony Ibekwe officiating. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. until the time of services on Monday at the church.
The burial of his urn will take place in Pearson Cemetery in spring.
Tributes
"Betty and family, so sorry to hear about the passing of Howard, you are in our thoughts and prayers! Amanda, Robert, Quentin, Olivia, and Evie Koss"
"Betty, Sending our deep sympathy to you and your family. With love and prayers, Larry & Betty Evans"
"My sincere sympathies to all of Howard's family. I have fond memories of being in school with his daughters and attending church with the whole family. Howard was a very kind and gentle man, and it was my privilege to have known him and all his family. May God give you peace and comfort during the difficult days ahead and may you forever remember the wonderful times you shared with Howard. "
"Renea, I am so sorry about the loss of your father! With all of the wonderful stories you have shared, you definitely have wonderful memories that will live on forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Although we are miles apart, you are close in heart. "
"Vicki,
My sympathies and condolences on the passing of your Dad. I am so sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort and peace. I hope you and your family feels loved and supported. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, Blessings, Diana "
"Vicki, I am so sorry that have lost your dad. I know that he meant the world to you. I am so glad that you have your sisters and your mom to help you through this."
"Dear Aunt Betty and Family, I'm so sorry to hear about Uncle Howard. He was truly a great man with a wonderful smile and I always enjoyed our visits. My condolences."
"Dear Betty... so sorry to hear about Howard ... He will be in my prayers... He along with you were a great help to me during my time at St. Philomena... Hope to be able to get there for the funeral... "
"Betty. So sorry for your loss, a wonderful man he was, Mom and Dad always enjoyed the gatherings with you and Howard. God's richest blessings to you and your family..The Seis' family, Sue, Ken, Fr. Mike, Dave and Joanie."
"Mr. Halbesleben was one of the kindest men we had the pleasure to know. What an amazing life he lived. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Doug & Sue Willcome "
"Howard was a wonderful gentle man. He was always willing to drop whatever he was doing to take care of the many families that rented the houses he was caretaker of for 16 years! We were blessed to have him a part of our lives! Our sincere deepest sympathies, Greg, Becky, Heather, Richelle, Grace and Gregory"