David Gene Haebich

David Gene Haebich, died at the age of 97, after a long and productive life. He was born in Hinsdale, Illinois of parents I. Eugene Haebich and Hazel Mae Rupff Haebich. He was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Gregory, and son-in-law David Fujiu, He is survived by his wife, Gloria, daughter Susan Fujiu, grandsons Jon and Jeff Fujiu, son Scott and daughter-in-law Gail Haebich, niece Susan Clark, and nephews Chris, Jeff, and Patrick (Mary) Walter. 

Dave attended Downers Grove North High School where he developed the love of  sports, captaining both his football and basketball teams. Even the Chicago Tribune touted his game-winning pass against Riverside/Brookfield High School whose  superintendent was Dave’s father. The headline read: No Filial Fidelity. He enrolled at  North Central College in Naperville, Illinois immediately after graduating from high  school and was able to complete enough credits to finish his freshman year before  enlisting in the Army Air Corps as soon as he reached the age of 18. He qualified for  pilot’s training just as World War II ended. 

He returned to North Central College just in time to play during the basketball season. He received the BA in Education degree in1948 and began teaching Math and  Science at Herscher High School in Herscher, Illinois. He married Gloria Walter in 1950  and spent the next summers attending Northwestern University, earning a Masters degree in Guidance and Counseling. His entire working career was in the Herscher, Illinois School District, one of the largest geographically in the state, where he became  high school principal at the age of 26, and later assistant superintendent of schools, He also received administrative certification in post-graduate classes at the University of  Illinois.  

Dave loved to travel and enjoyed taking his family to all 50 states and later enjoyed  several trips throughout Europe, Australia, and new Zealand. After moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1988, he worked with his son in his businesses and also was active in the churches he attended. He was still volunteering at Park Church at the age  of 96.  

He loved nature, hiking, reading biographies, grocery shopping (really!) and watching  pro basketball, especially the Indiana Pacers and Golden State Warriors. Two things he  did not love: beets and public speaking. 

His loving family will miss his wry sense of humor and the certain knowledge that they  were always in his prayers. 

A celebration of his life will be held April 22 at Park Congregational Church, 10 E. Park  Place, Grand Rapids, Michigan with visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M and service at 1:30 PM. 

Memorial donations may be made to Park Congregational Church or to Beacon Hill  Foundation, 1919 Boston St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.

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