Joseph Haban

Joseph Haban, age 93, passed away Saturday, January 22, 2011, at Franciscan Woods, Brookfield, WI. He was born in Racine, May 30, 1917, son of the late Andrew and Philamena (Nee:Sevcik) Haban.

Joe graduated from William Horlick HIgh School “ Class of 1937” and from Tri-State College in 1944. He enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Service during WWII and was trained as a steam engineer. Joe had a knack for inventing things which eventually led him to start his own company, Haban Manufacturing. From 1952 until 1995 Joe designed and manufactured agricultural machines and implements. He is credited with inventing the first snowthower that attached to a garden tractor. In 1980 Joe was recognized with an honorary Doctor of Engineering degree from Tri-State College.

Joe was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Kiwanis Golden K Club, and the Lost and Found Club. He enjoyed hunting, playing cards, reminiscing with friends and conversations involving politics of the day. Joe was very generous and community-minded. In the mid '90s, as a way to give back to the community that supported him, he donated the family farm to Racine Youth Sports so that they could convert it into athletic fields. Joe will be dearly missed.

Surviving are his daughter, Lisa Armaganian; grandchildren, Margaret, Lauren, twins Michael and Elizabeth, Claire, Kathleen, Liam, and Ryan Flatley; sisters, Mary Gerber of Grand Island, FL, Helen Jorstad of New Hope, MN; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Haban of Fort Atkinson; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alma; and his brothers, Andrew and Frank.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 29, 2011, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Ave., with Rev. Ronald O. Crewe officiating. Entombment with full military honors will follow at Holy Cross Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturday at the church from 9 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. Memorials to Haban Field, Sacred Heart Catholic Church or one’s favorite charity have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine  (262) 634-7888