Duane Francis Habiger

Duane Francis Habiger, of Kinsley, KS, passed away on April 12th, 2023 from complications with heart disease and a short battle with cancer. Duane’s body gave out, but his fighting spirit never did. His passing occurred in Glendale, AZ, in the presence of his wife, son, and daughter-in-law. Duane was born in Edwards County on October 1st, 1952, to Joseph Justin Habiger and Geraldine Mary Habiger (Dockendorf). Duane was a devout Catholic and member of St. Nicholas Church, where he also attended primary school. Duane graduated from Kinsley High School in 1970 and served in the Army National Guard for four years. He was a talented welder, having received some professional training at Dodge City Vocational and Technical College. Duane had many jobs, which included working for Westhoff Construction, building houses with Gene Putter, and farming for Dillon Farms and Star Alfalfa. He was a co-owner of Habiger Brothers Harvesting, which he operated with family members for more than 40 years. Duane also pursued several hobbies in his life, including hunting, volleyball, playing cards with family and friends, checking the stock market daily, comparing rain gauge values, and watching Family Feud. He also enjoyed his hour of gossip and razzing with friends at the E-Z Stop most mornings, and most recently and surprisingly, helping in the greenhouse.

Duane is survived by his wife of 34 years, Tammy; his children, Darrin Habiger (Michelle), Ty Troutman (Melinda), and Dustin Fox (Lacy); ten grandchildren, Jordan Habiger (Janessa), Austin Habiger (Jessica), Jalynn Habiger (Lance), Lilyann Fox, Amyelia Fox, Elliott Fox, Luke Troutman, Colton King, Matthew Troutman, and Naomi Fox; his three great-grandchildren, Ryker Habiger, Greyson Habiger, and Maverick Habiger; his mother Geraldine Habiger; his siblings Jolene Tasset (Larry), Beverly Raymond (Art), Joyce Guffey, Michael Habiger (Deanna), Marge Schmidt (Matthew), John Habiger, Steven Habiger (Barbara), Rodney Habiger (Jill), and Sharon Bowman (Scott); his godchildren Scott Habiger and Kristin Habiger-Wolf; and his godparent Dorothy Trenkamp. In addition, Duane will be missed by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and many nieces and nephews. Duane was preceded in death by his father Joseph Habiger, brother Richard Habiger, grandson Chance Fox, and godparent John Habiger.

Duane could often appear grumpy but possessed a ready smile. He was free with providing help or advice to those in need. He enjoyed being picked on and picking on those he loved. He was filled with great love for all his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many nieces and nephews who brought immense joy into his life.

The Rosary will be held at St. Nicholas Church, on Thursday April 20th, at 7pm. The funeral will be held at St. Nicholas Church, on Friday April 21st, at 10:30 am, followed by a grave-side service at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery. A dinner will follow at St. Nicholas Parish Hall. Memorials may be given to the St. Nicholas Knights of Columbus, or to the Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery Fund.

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