Death of Donald Habenicht

Donald Edward Habenicht, 86, of Berrien Springs, passed away on Feb. 4, 2022, at Spectrum Health Lakeland hospital after a brief illness with all of his family at his side.

Donald was born on Jan. 28, 1936, in Cicero, Indiana, in the boy’s dorm at Indiana Academy. Later he moved to Shenandoah Academy in New Market, Virginia, where he spent his childhood years. In 1946 the family moved to Monterey, Mexico, where his father was farm manager and then president of Montemorelos University. After six years the family moved to Costa Rica for two years. Upon returning to the U.S., the family settled in Berrien Springs. Don attended the University School (predecessor of Andrews Academy) for one year and then transferred to Adelphian Academy. He was a very proud, loyal alumnus of Adelphian Academy. After graduation Don moved to Riverside, California. He attended La Sierra College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. While in college he met Edith Forgey who became the love of his life. They were married for 60 years. 

After graduation, they moved to Monterey Bay Academy where his two children, Duane and Cindy, were born. Later the family moved to Laurelwood Academy in Forest Grove, Oregon. In 1970, Don and Edith received an invitation to serve as missionaries in South America. They worked for three years at Colegio Unión just outside of Lima, Peru, where he served as farm manager. The family then moved to CADE in DonalSanto Domingo, Ecuador, where he started the school farm.

Returning to the U.S., the family settled at Platte Valley Academy in Shelton, Nebraska. Don was assistant dairy manager and taught calf care classes. 

In 1993 Don and Edith moved back to Berrien Spring, Michigan, where he worked at Andrews University as assistant dairy manager and herdsman. He retired in 2000 with 40 years of service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church school system. Even in retirement Don remained active part-time, helping at the dairy until the dairy closed. Don kept careful record of his work; he passed the mark of 7,000 calves which he dehorned just before ending his work.

Donald is survived by his wife of 60 years, Edith Habenicht; his son, Duane (Elsie) Habenicht; his daughter, Cindy (Gary) Scull; four grandchildren, April, Daniel, Mathew and Kara; and his brothers, Herald (Donna) Habenicht and Bill Habenicht. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herald and Kathryn Habenicht, and his sister-in-law, JoAnn Habenicht.

Services
Visitation will be on Friday, Feb. 11, from 2–4 p.m. at Allred Funeral Home. The funeral will be on Saturday, Feb. 12, at 4 p.m. at the Village Seventh-day Adventist Church in Berrien Springs.

Memorials
Anyone wishing to contribute to Donald's memory is invited to consider one of his favorite charities: Maranatha Volunteers International, 990 Reserve Drive, Suite 100, Roseville, CA 95678-1387.