Joseph Frank Habermann was born in the city of Olmitz, Austria, on November 23, 1870, and answered the summons of the Angel of death at his home northeast of Rozel, on Sunday at 2:05 p.m., November 27, at the age of 68 years.
At the age of 4 years, he came to this country with his father, mother, brother and sister, and settled in Barton county, 4 miles southwest of Olmitz, Ks., where he grew to manhood.
In the year of 1897 he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Mary Louise Weiser. To this union were born 15 children, 9 boys and 6 girls. Four of these two sons and two daughters, died in infancy.
He and his family lived on a farm near Olmitz, Kan., 31 years. In 1928 he moved his family to a farm six miles northeast of Rozel, where he resided up to the time of his death. He was of Catholic faith and was baptized while still in infancy, and has lived the life of a true and devoted servant in teh vineyard of the Lord all his life. While his health permitted he was a regular and punctual attendant at his church, even while he lived a long distance from his house of worship. He seldom missed a service. The last 18 months when he was unable to leave his home he spent much time in meditation, and silent prayer. Truly it was an inspiration to see his confidence and faith in the happiness of the world to come, and is assurance that the labors and trial of this world were not in vain, we might well use the words of the Good book, and say, "Lord, my task is done."
He was of cheery friendly disposition, never complained, and always looked on the bright side of the world. He cherished his friends highly and it was indeed an honot to be classed as his friend. He was a find, loving husband and father.
He leaves to mourn his death his wife, Mary, seven sons and four daughters, Mary Frances, Helen, Julius, Leo, Henry of the home; Emil and Joe of Larned, Mrs. Emelia Gumber of Bison and 10 grandchildren; four brothers and four sisters, John of Olmitz, Henry of Great Bend, Anton of Russell. One brother preceded him in death in 1930, Mary Mouler Reidl of Glendale, Calef., Anna Weiser, Rogers, Ark., Mollie Budig, Hoisington, and Emelia Schenk of Otis are the surviving sisters.
Funeral services were held at the Larned Sacred Heart church Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock. Rev. F. Dombroski officiated. He was laid to rest in the Olmitz St. Anna cemetery. Six nephews, Al, Carl, Ben, Alex, Jerome, and Leonard Habermann were pall bearers.
(When his wife died in 1958, he was moved and they both were laid to rest in the Larned Cemetery.)