James Franklin Habel passed away at Gunderson Health Systems in La Crosse on Jan. 14, 2017.
James was born Oct. 5, 1939, in Platteville to Lester and Belva Habel. In his youth, Jim attended the training school at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He rode in the AMPI milk truck for 22 years and accompanied his brother, Lyle, selling and delivering for Southwest Supply.
He relocated to Delavan to live with his sister, Barb Hessenthaler, and her family, where he worked at Fagan Ford, McCullough’s drug store and the VIP workshop.
In 1991 Jim moved to Waumandee, to live with his niece, LeeAnne Bulman, and her family. The last 13 years he resided with Anna Lawyer in La Crosse while working jobs at Riverfront, Hilltoppers, ORC Industries, and most recently the Vernon Area Rehabilitation Center in Viroqua. He attended Merit Center North. Jim spent alternate weekends with Dorothy Clark.
Jim loved to travel. His favorite places were Disney World, Disney Land, Dollywood and visits to family. His other free time was spent walking, bike riding, teasing, dressing up for Halloween and singing.
Jim is survived by his caretakers Anna Lawyer, Adrian Gotts and her daughter, Aaron, and Dorothy Clark and her son, Damien; his brother and sisters, Ron Habel, of Vista, Calif., Shirley Anderson, of Onalaska, Carol Funk, of Columbia, S.C., Mary (Dan) Schiefert, of Rochester, Minn., Barb (Darrell) Hessenthaler, of Delavan; his sister-in-law, Karen Habel, of Platteville; and 13 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Doris Habel and Lois Burlo; brother, Lyle; brothers-in-law, Eddie Burlo and Chuck Anderson; sister-in-law, Cathy Habel; and three nieces.
The family is very thankful for the care Jim received during his last hours and the wonderful care and love Anna gave him.
A memorial service took place Saturday at the Southside Neighborhood Center, 1300 S. Sixth St., La Crosse. A graveside service was Sunday at Greenwood Cemetery in Platteville. The family suggests memorials for Couleecap of La Crosse.
The Melby Funeral Home and Crematory in Platteville is assisting with local arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com.
