William Habich

Habich,William D. "Bill" McFarland - William D. "Bill" Habich, age 73, passed away on Monday, Jan. 19, 2009, at his home, surrounded by his family after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born on Nov. 26, 1935, in Madison, the son of Adolph and Mabel (Anderson) Habich. Bill married Joyce Graham on Feb. 21, 1957, in Madison. He later married Patricia Arnolde on July 18, 1986, in McFarland. Bill worked as a pressman right after high school for many years, until his health forced him to retire. He spent the majority of his career at Thysse Printing Co.. Bill loved spending time with family and his dogs, and loved tropical fish. He was a very good artist, specializing in ceramics, and also enjoyed photography, especially taking pictures of wildlife. Bill also had a sweet tooth, matched only by his love for the Bears and the Cubs. He is survived by his wife, Pat; three children, Beth (Philip) Gilpin of Cottage Grove, William Habich Jr. of Stoughton, and Jennie (John) Bader of Tomball, Texas; their mother, Joyce Heidenreich; step-children, Juliann (Hien) Tran of Evansville, Laura Arnolde (Holly Duckett) of Arlington, John Arnolde of McFarland and Cristina (Craig) Harmel of Madison; grandchildren, Shannon (Todd) Westbury, Bryenne (Adam) Alesch, Lynn (Dan) Parks, Ryan, Brittany, Brooke, Heather and Kamden Habich, Kristen, Hannah and Jonathan Ray, Ethan Harmel and Michael Tran; great grand-children, Tanner, Ty and Kiera Westbury, Kayna Alesch and Landon Parks; three sisters, Marilyn Smith, June Beetham and Nancy (Ken) Jevens; and many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Alden, his hero, and Adolph "Dude", his best friend. Funeral sevices wil be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, with Chaplain Bob Groth presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009, from 5 p.m until 8 p.m., and on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, from 10 a.m until the time of service. Go softly, dear one, Go gently, kind heart Peace for you has come. This gentle journey You now must take Will guide you through To a better day. Let the Angels guide you to your safe new home And hold you within their wings. As we hold you in our hearts, For now and always.