A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13, at St. Leo IV Catholic Church in Roberts Cove for Philip J. Habetz, 88, who died peacefully on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, at his residence in Roberts Cove with his family by his side.
Interment will be in St. Leo IV Cemetery in Roberts Cove.
Msgr. Jeff DeBlanc will conduct the funeral services and Fr. Paul Broussard will be the con-celebrant.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Dolores “Bubbles” Zaunbrecher Habetz of Roberts Cove; seven children, Jules and wife, Claudia of Vinton, Chris and wife Kim of Vinton, Celeste Lalande and husband Paul of Church Point, Damian and wife Dinah of Roberts Cove, Fred and wife Joan of Vinton, Jackie Valdetero and husband Doug of Roberts Cove, and Connie Bossier and husband Kevin of Roberts Cove; his 19 grandchildren, Jake, Scott and Blake Habetz, Hunter, Hali, and Kyle Habetz, Alex Lalande, Claire Lalande Gatte, and Jaclyn Lalande, Lance Habetz, and Simone Habetz Doucet, Bradley and Nathan Habetz, Katelyn Habetz Porter, and Brooke Habetz, Andrew and Luke Valdetero, and Adam and Natalie Leger; and nine great-grandchildren, Ella, Brody, Brandon, William, Addison, Philip, Benjamin, Colt, and Baby Doucet; his two sisters, Hilda Habetz Simoneaux and husband Jerome of Rayne, and Pauline Habetz Reiners of Mowata.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Elizabeth Kreuser Habetz; an infant sister, Hildegard; and grandson, Broc Habetz; and brother-in-law, Anthony “Stoon” Reiners.
Philip’s father immigrated from Germany in 1896 to Roberts Cove where Philip remained his entire life. He was active in 4-H livestock exhibiting, and was chosen to attend the National 4-H Congress in Chicago for tractor maintenance.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951 and was stationed in Germany and France during the Korean War. He married his childhood friend, Dolores, and began farming rice, soybeans, and clover on his family’s land.
He was an active member of the Acadia Parish Farm Bureau and Cattleman’s Association and was named the “Safest Farm Equipment Operator in Louisiana” in 1960. He was recognized for his modern and innovative methods of farming and gained a prominent place as a cattleman.
He was chosen as the International Rice Festival’s first “Young Farmer of the Year” in 1963.
Philip was also an active member in his community and represented his parish on the Rayne Catholic School Board. He served as retreat captain and usher for St Leo IV Catholic Church and was a member of the St. Leo’s Holy Name Society.
Philip, affectionately known as O’pa, was known for his hard work, sense of humor, strong faith, and love of his farm and family. He was a friend to all, young and old.
Pall bearers will be his grandsons.
Honorary pall bearers are Milton “Nag” Habetz Sr., his cousin and lifelong friend; and his godchildren, Greg Simoneaux, Pat Reiners, Thomas Habetz, and Brooke Habetz.
The family requests that visitation be observed in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne on Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and on Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
A rosary will be prayed Tuesday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. at Gossen Funeral Home.
Donations may be made in his honor to Notre Dame High School, 910 N. Eastern Ave., Crowley, LA 70526; or Our Lady’s Catholic School Gymnasium Fund, 1111Cypress St., Sulphur, LA 70663, in memory of Broc Habetz.
The family would like to send a heartfelt thanks to his caregivers, Magen, Dee Dee, Amanda, Gloria, Morgan, Lamm Hospice and also Dr. D. Thomas Curtis.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.
Gossen Funeral Home, Inc., 504 N. Polk St., Rayne, 337-334-3141, has been entrusted with arrangements.