Lyle Habel

Lyle L. Habel, 84, of Platteville, WI passed away Saturday, October 17, 2015 at Southwest Health Center Hospital, Platteville. VFW Memorial Services will be at 12:00 P.M. (Noon) Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville. In following with Lyle's wishes he will be buried at sea. Chapel military rites will be accorded by American Legion Post 42 and VFW Post 5274, Platteville along with American Legion Post 453, Belmont. Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Lyle's name. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville is serving the family. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Lyle was born on June 15, 1931 in Potosi, Wisconsin, son of Lester C. and Belva (Hamilton) Habel. He attended grade school at UW-Platteville State Training Center and graduated from Platteville High School in 1950. From 1949 – 1951 Lyle served in the 32nd Division COM National Guards Red Arrow, Platteville. On February 1, 1952 he joined the U.S. Navy and served from 1952 – 1955 overseas in Korea and Japan. After the service, he attended Madison Vo-Tech College for automotive training. On June 27, 1964 he was joined in marriage to Karen J. Ludwig in Platteville. His working career continued as a parts-manager in Chevrolet garages in Darlington and Platteville, sales for Southwest Supply and ended with sixteen years working for the Platteville School District, retiring at age 70, as head custodian at O.E. Gray Elementary.
He was a life member of VFW Post 5274, Platteville, WI; American Legion Post 453 Belmont, WI; Military Order of the Cooties Red Arrow Pup Tent 32 of Monroe; and the Disabled American Veterans. He is a Past Commander of VFW Post 5274 serving for four terms and Past Commander of VFW 3rd District, 1977-1978. He was VFW State Chief-of-Staff-Dept. of WI 1982-1983. From 1971-present he held offices at the local and district level. He received many national and state honors for membership and made it a passion to help veterans and their families. On May 20, 2014 he was thrilled to participate in the Honor Flight of Greater Dubuque, IA. Lyle was an honorary member of the Platteville FFA and has sponsored the Greenhand award from 1983-present.
His life's enjoyments were work, family, and serving his country. He loved woodworking, time with family, working with young people, and the friendships he made with the Mennonite and Amish communities. He was a proud and loving father and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife, Karen; son Rodney (Lois) Habel, Downers Grove, IL; daughter Gretchen (Daniel) Butts, Spring Green, WI; four grandchildren, Lainie (Henry) Grabowski, Karissa Habel, Dakota Butts, and McKenna Butts; sisters Shirley Anderson, Onalaska, WI; Carol Funk, Columbia, SC; Mary Jo (Daniel) Schiefert, Rochester, MN; Barbara (Darrell) Hessenthaler, Delevan, WI; brothers Ronald Habel, Vista, CA; James Habel, LaCrosse, WI; sister-in-law Edna Ludwig, Platteville and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law, Richard and Marie Ludwig; sister Lois Burlo; two sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law.