Robert Haabala

Robert Haabala, age 75 of Villard passed away unexpectably on January 16, 2013 at St. Cloud Hospital with family at his side . Funeral Services will be at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 10 a.m. with Pastor Denise Croskey presiding. Visitation will also be held at the Anderson Funeral Home on Friday, February 1, 2013 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Robert Alexander Haabala was born February 5, 1937 in Starbuck, Minnesota the son of Alex and Emily Haabala. He attended Country School #5 and graduated from Brandon High School in the year 1955. He joined the Air Force as an Aviation Cadet in 1959 and ended his military career as an Air Force Reservist in 1965. He was united in marriage in 1973 to Alberta Hanson and opened up his heart and home to her three teenage children. At the time of their marriage, they moved to Villard and had resided since. He worked as a carpenter, large equipment operator/mechanic. Later in his career, he concentrated on his love of carpentry until his retirement in 1999. Robert enjoyed doing home improvements, fishing, riding snowmobile, making wooden crafts with Alberta, playing accordian and reserved Sunday mornings for working on crossword puzzles. Robert is survived by his Sister Hilda (and William) Betterman of Brandon, daughters, Connie Chenowith (and Mike) of Swift Falls, Christine Jenniges of Starbuck, son Thomas (and Brenda) Hanson of Morristown, niece Cindy (and Chad) Fredrick of Westport, nephews; Randy Betterman of Brandon, Christopher Haabala of St. Paul, seven grandchildren, three great grandhildren. Robert was preceded in death by his loving wife Alberta, parents Alex and Emily Haabala, brother Charles Haabala, three grandchildren Adam James Jenniges, Alexis Danielle Jenniges, Andrew David Hanson, and a special aunt Martha Haabala. Robert was an incredible Father who showed strength and control in spite of Alberta bringing her three teenagers into their marriage. He will be missed immensely by all of those who knew him. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.