Roger Louis Habenicht

Roger “Rog” Louis Habenicht, age 86, born September 24, 1938. He peacefully passed away surrounded by the tender love of his family on February 13, 2025.

Roger was born in Blue Island, Illinois, raised in Homer Township, and attended Lockport Township High School (Class of 1956) and Joliet Junior College, living in Lockport for the majority of his life.

Roger was a proud United States Army Veteran, having honorably served his country with dedication and pride. He was employed at Argonne National Laboratory for 34 years, where he met the love of his life, Jacquie, and he proudly owned Splash & Dash Laundromat in New Lenox for 20 years.

In 1998, Roger and Jacquie retired to Scottsdale, Arizona, enjoying Arizona’s warm sunshine, clear blue skies, and majestic saguaros. They loved cruising and traveling the world, making lasting memories visiting 26 countries.

Roger was a generous spirit with a kind heart, always putting others before himself. He was a man of true integrity — wise, steady, supportive, a protector. He felt deeply and always wanted to do what he could for someone in need. Roger’s fun sense of humor created endless family laughs and many memorable quotes over the years.

He was an avid hunter in Illinois and an avid golfer in Arizona. He loved to read, always having a book or two going at the same time. Roger had an exceptional work ethic, always giving 110% to everything he did. He maintained his yard to perfection and took great pride in all that he set out to do.

For Roger, his family was the center of his world and his life’s greatest accomplishment. As a devoted husband, a loving and dedicated dad, and the world’s most wonderful grandpa/papa, these were the true joys of his life. He had immense pride in each of them. His love for his family was immeasurable — likewise, so was — and always will be — their love, pride, and admiration for him.

He will be deeply missed by his family and all the people he touched in his life. Roger will live on in our hearts through the many happy memories he left, the lessons he taught us, and the inspiration and unsurmountable love he gave.

Survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Jacquie (Rydman), loving daughters, Lynne Habenicht and Jill (Rick) Glissendorf, and three cherished grandchildren, Kolton, Kelty, and Luke. His special lifelong best friends – Jim Jungles and cousin Dale Habenicht. Siblings Joyce Walker (Bob), Judy Cramer, Ronald Habenicht, and Richard Habenicht.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Verna and Louis Habenicht, and beloved in-laws, Wanda and Elmer Kish.

Rog / Dad / Grandpa: We were so incredibly blessed to have you in our lives. Your love for us was unmatched — and ours for you. We love you beyond measure and will always honor your memory. Thank you for the love you gave; it will always surround us and live on in our hearts.

A private military service was held in Arizona to honor the life of Roger. Funeral arrangements were handled by Gilbert Memorial Park and National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.