Submit a PhotoRoger “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.
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Roger was my best friend from 1st grade throughout our lifetimes. We spent countless hours hunting crows & deer together. Going to miss him.
Uncle Roger to me. It has been many years since we saw each other, but he was a great uncle during my childhood. I’ll always remember taking the birdshot out of the pheasents he would bring for Thanksgiving. Rest in peace.
Dear Rog, Wish we could have spent more time together as we aged, but living in different parts of the country made it difficult . However, I think about you many times starting with what I see in the mirror. The little scar next to my right eye. This happened when we were very young and playing with your steel soldiers. I guess you got a bit mad at me. I was lucky that it landed just next to my eye not in it. Hope to see you again on the other side. It may be awhile, I am hoping to make it to 100. Love you much !
Uncle Roger was a big part of my childhood. Like my brother, I remember helping clean pheasants (and geese and ducks) around the holidays. And had a great time riding along with him for some work he was doing at the railyards. Another great memory was going out to dinner with him and Aunt Jacquie at Stump’s Pub.
Rog was my best friend. We went to High School together, hunted together, entered the Army together. As our families grew, we saw each other as often as possible and when he and Jacquie moved to AZ, when we were out in AZ, he and I would have lunch pretty often and dinners together with Jacquie and my wife, Joan. We talked on the phone quite a lot, catching up on everything he, I and our families were up to. We never ran out of things to say. A lot of reminiscing about the old days. I really miss those calls! Joan and I want to express our deepest sympathies to Jacquie and family. Roger was a great friend and is truly missed! May God keep him in his care!
ONE THING I REMEMBER WAS WHEN MOM TOOK ROGER’S CAR TO GO SHOPPING. HE HAD JUST FINISHED WORKING ON HIS CAR. AS MOM AND I WERE DRIVING DOWN 143 RD. STREET THE LUG NUTS CAME OFF. NO ONE WAS HURT . WHEN ROG WAS IN AZ. , I INVITED HIM FOUR TIMES TO COME AND VISIT ME AND WE WOULD GO GOLFING .
Roger was my big brother and I remember he rode our white pony in a parade in Lockport. Wearing an all black western outfit with hat he had to ride the pony all the way to Lockport and back, which was 5 miles each way. His great love for his family was easy to see. He also took great pride in his house and yard, making sure everything was perfect. A hard worker he was an inspiration to many others. Many are fortunate to have known him. Rest in peace with those who have gone before. Fondly remembered, Judy