Ernest Habicht

Bob Habicht, age 82, of Willmar, died Thursday evening, Oct. 18, at the Bethesda Pleasant View Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, at the Willmar United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct 24, at the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Willmar. Military honors will be provided by the Willmar American Legion Post #167. Memorials to Let's Go Fishing of Willmar or Rice Hospice are preferred in lieu of flowers. www.petersonbrothers.com

Ernest Robert "Bob" Habicht was born on September 26, 1930 in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, the son of Max and Emily (Reichert) Habicht. At a young age his family moved to Willmar. Bob graduated from Willmar High School in 1948 and Gustavus Adolphus College in 1952. Following his military service during the Korean War, he returned to Willmar and became a care companion to his father Max. Together with his brother Gene, they owned and operated the Habicht's Department Store in downtown Willmar for many years. During the mid 1960's, he was the Minnesota State Champion Trap Shooter, twice. Bob was a life member of the American LEgion Post and member of the Elk's Club.

Bob had a fond love for the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing with his nephews and friends. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching and attending football, baseball and basketball games. Bob was also a proud supporter of the Boy Scouts of America.

He is survived by a sister-in-law, Rosemary Habicht of Willmar; one niece, Jane (and Michael) Mandli of Hayward, WI.; three nephews, David (and Diann) Habicht of Rapid City, SD., Bill (and Jayne) Habicht of Minneapolis and Mac (and Ronda) Habicht of Willmar; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Gene Habicht in 2007.