Richard A. Habeger

Richard A. Habeger

Rich A. Habeger, 57, went to meet his Lord and savior after losing his battle with ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease, April 29. Rich was born to Richard D. and Maryhelen C. Habeger on Sept. 10, 1955, in Havre, Mont. He attended schools in Havre, graduating in 1974. He worked for the Burlington Northern where he worked in varying capacities, ultimately becoming an engineer working turns between Havre and Whitefish.

He married Carol Parsons in 1977. They were blessed with son Ryan Allen. They later separated. Rich met Theresa Bilger in 1996 and they confirmed their commitment to each other in a formal wedding ceremony June 8, 2002. Rich played major role in being a father to Theresa's two sons, Decker Konya and Robert (Bobby) Konya III. They relocated their family to the Flathead Valley, which was Richard's lifelong dream. Rich retired from the BNSF in 2003 and he focused his energies on his home and love of fast cars. Rich enjoyed spending his time rebuilding hot rods in his shop in Columbia Falls. His baby was his 1969 Camaro, and he prided himself on showing it at car shows near and far. His most recent project was his 1967 Chevy Chevelle, which he work on closely with his good buddy, Gary Lombardo. Ryan returned home to help care for his father this past year during his battle with ALS. He will be deeply missed by all those who loved and knew him.

A celebration of Richard's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, at Veterans Chapel, 400 Veterans Drive, in Columbia Falls. A reception will follow at the same location.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Maryhelen; mother-in-law, Audrey "Jean;" and grandson, Devin Habeger. He is survived by his loving wife, Theresa; sons, Ryan and Bobby of Columbia Falls, and Decker of Killeen, Texas; father, Richard "Dick" Habeger; sister, Sue Habeger of Great Falls; broth, Jim (Lisa) Habeger of Havre; sister Jeanette (Ken) Kranz of Great Falls; brother, John Habeger of Butte; father-in-law, Willard Bilger; brother-in-law, Robert (Christine) Bilger; and sister-in-law, Donna (Jeff) Snare; and numerous nieces and nephews. To send condolence to the family please go to http://www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell is caring for the family.