Kenneth "Kenny" Habiger

   Kenneth “Kenny” Habiger, 86, of Casselton, ND, died Friday, August 9, 2019, at Villa Maria in Fargo surrounded by his friends.

   Kenny was born September 3, 1932, at St. John’s Hospital, Fargo, ND, the son of Frank and Theresa (Scheller) Habiger.  They lived in Buffalo until 1938 when they moved to Casselton where Kenny graduated from Lincoln High School.  At age 16, Kenny was employed with Hugo Priewe Funeral Home in Casselton assisting with the ambulance and funeral transportation.  He also worked at the Can Pile and other numerous jobs through high school.  He entered the US Army on July 13, 1953, serving in Europe.   Kenny was honorably discharged on May 19, 1955, as a Corporal.  He then worked on the first power line heading east from the Garrison Dam.  Kenny then managed the Vets Club in Casselton from the early 50’s until 1972 when he purchased the Red Baron Pizza Pub, operating it until 2009.  He also served as a Veterans Service Officer for both VFW and American Legion Posts in Casselton.

   Kenny’s love for Casselton and making it a better place to live was a lifelong passion.  He received many awards and recognitions over the years, but always included others rather than taking the credit.  Kenny helped launch numerous businesses in Casselton including:  Red Baron Pizza,  Hardware Hank, Haugen Enterprises, the police station,  beauty shop,  Commodity Broker,  Maple River Winery and Distillery to name a few. He represented Maple River Winery in Dusseldorf, Germany, with Pro Wein, the largest wine show in the world with many great memories.

Kenny was an active member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church, serving as council president during Vatican II,  a member of St. Leo’s Knights of Columbus and many years as a member  of St. Leo’s Cemetery board.  He also served as president of the Casselton Cemetery Board for a number of years.  Kenny was a very active and longtime member of Casselton American Legion and VFW serving in many capacities over the years; a founding member of the Casselton Ambulance Service, serving as president for over 20 years and for over 40 years as an Emergency Medical Technician; a member of the Casselton Fire Department;  a special deputy of Sheriff Jack Daley; serving in many capacities in the Casselton Community Club;  Casselwood Retirement Home planning and building committee; a  very supportive member of the Central Cass School Project Commttee;  Job Development Authority;  Casselton Cottonwood Golf Club;  Summerfest Committee and Casselton Tourism Committee.  Kenny was also a founding or charter member of the following organizations:  Casselton Optimist Club,  Casselton Community Endowment Fund,  Governors Park Committee,  Cass County Rural Micro Marketing Alliance. 

Kenny truly earned the title of “Mr. Casselton”, there will never be another.

In his later years, the highlight was Tuesday night ramblings, enjoying his many friendships and coffee crews.

Left to share in his memory are many lifelong friends from the Red Baron Pizza Pub;  Mary Kempel,  Greg (Susan) Kempel and their children Katie, Sarah and Melody;  great-niece:  Stacy (Fred) Line.

He was preceded in death by his parents;  sister:  Ardith McCashin;  brothers:  Ralph and Francis.

In lieu of floral pieces, memorials are preferred to the Casselton Community Endowment Fund,  St. Leo’s Cemetery, Casselton City Cemetery or your local charity of choice.

Visitation:  5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Casselton.

Prayer Service:  6:30 p.m. Tuesday, in the church.

Funeral Mass:  10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2019, in the church.

Burial:  St. Leo’s Catholic Cemetery, Casselton.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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