Thomas Edward Habersetzer's Obituary
Tom was born on June 22, 1927. He was adopted out of a Seattle orphanage by Frank and Eleanor Habersetzer living on a small dairy farm near Frances, WA. They moved to Chehalis, WA in 1939 and it became his hometown. Early on Tom made the decision that farming was not his career choice, and his formal education was guided to eliminate that possibility. It was a high honor to serve his Country in the United States Army, European occupation forces. He went on to specialize in land acquisitions for development purposes. Over the years Tom was a member of numerous organizations, religious (Catholic), professional (Real Estate), political (Republican), military (AUSA &AFA), sports (Golf), civic clubs and various charities.
However, his real treasure of this world has been his family. His loyal parents, Pat an irreplaceable wife of 67 years, along with three children, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, have brought great joy and all are a credit to God and Country.
Tom’s last prayer “petitioned our Lord to be merciful in his judgement, and after I had fulfilled his final penance, He will cleanse me of my inequities, wash away my sins, and bring me into His Kingdom.”
Tom loved to golf and was a member of the Oakbrook Golf and Country Club for many years. He was very competitive and loved to take dollars from his friends on the golf course. Tom also loved sweets of every kind, especially Tillamook ice cream, cookies, and caramel brownies. Tom and Pat enjoyed their daily happy hour sharing a martini and vodka tonic to talk about their day.
Tom will be deeply missed by his friends and family: wife Pat Habersetzer, son Joe Habersetzer, son Jeff Habersetzer (Elizabeth), daughter Susan Habersetzer, 5 grandchildren Josh Habersetzer (Laura), Jennie Schwartzer (Zac), Jeff Habersetzer (Emma), Ryan Habersetzer, Joey Habersetzer and 4 great-grandchildren Brynnlee Moore, Rylie Schwartzer, Saylor Schwartzer and Lucia Schwartzer. Tom was predeceased by daughters-in-law Tracie Habersetzer and Mindy Habersetzer.
The family would like to express their gratitude to his primary caregiver, Maria, caregiving team (Purity, Gie, Alicia and Leah), and the Franciscan Hospice team for their wonderful and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes any charitable donations be made in the name of Thomas Habersetzer to St. Frances Cabrini School.
A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, December 9th at 11:00 AM at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church with a reception to follow.
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