Philip Joseph Habetz

ROBERTS COVE - A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at St. Leo IV Catholic Church in Roberts Cove for Philip J. Habetz, 88, who died peacefully on Monday, February 11, 2019 at his residence in Roberts Cove with his family by his side.

Interment will be in St. Leo IV Cemetery in Roberts Cove, LA.

Msgr. Jeff DeBlanc will conduct the funeral services and Fr. Paul Broussard will be the con-celebrant.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Dolores "Bubbles" Zaunbrecher Habetz of Roberts Cove; 7 children, Jules and wife, Claudia, of Vinton, LA, Chris and wife, Kim, of Vinton, Celeste Lalande and husband, Paul, of Church Point, Damian and wife, Dinah, of Roberts Cove, Fred and wife, Joan, of Vinton, Jackie Valdetero and husband, Doug, of Roberts Cove, and Connie Bossier and husband, Kevin, of Roberts Cove; His 19 grandchildren, Jake, Scott, & Blake Habetz, Hunter, Hali, and Kyle Habetz, Alex Lalande, Claire Lalande Gatte, & Jaclyn Lalande, Lance Habetz, & Simone Habetz Doucet, Bradley & Nathan Habetz, Katelyn Habetz Porter, & Brooke Habetz, Andrew & Luke Valdetero, and Adam & Natalie Leger; and 9 great-grandchildren, Ella, Brody, Brandon, William, Addison, Philip, Benjamin, Colt, and Baby Doucet; his 2 sisters, Hilda Habetz Simoneaux, and husband Jerome of Rayne, and Pauline Habetz Reiners of Mowata.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Elizabeth Kreuser Habetz, an infant sister, Hildegard, and grandson, Broc Habetz, brother-in-law, Anthony "Stoon" Reiners.

Philip's father immigrated from Germany in 1896 to Roberts Cove where Philip remained his entire life. He was active in 4-H livestock exhibiting, and was chosen to attend the National 4-H Congress in Chicago for tractor maintenance. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951 and was stationed in Germany and France during the Korean War. He married his childhood friend, Dolores, and began farming rice, soybeans, and clover on his family's land.

He was an active member of the Acadia Parish Farm Bureau and Cattleman's Association and was named the "Safest Farm Equipment Operator in Louisiana” in 1960. He was recognized for his modern and innovative methods of farming and gained a prominent place as a cattleman. He was chosen as the International Rice Festival's first "Young Farmer of the Year" in 1963.

Philip was also an active member in his community and represented his parish on the Rayne Catholic School Board. He served as retreat captain and usher for St Leo IV Catholic Church and was a member of the St. Leo's Holy Name Society.

Philip, affectionately known as O'pa, was known for his hard work, sense of humor, strong faith, and love of his farm and family. He was a friend to all, young and old.

Pall bearers will be his grandsons. Honorary pall bearers are Milton "Nag" Habetz, Sr., his cousin & lifelong friend, and his godchildren, Greg Simoneaux, Pat Reiners, Thomas Habetz, and Brooke Habetz.

The family requests that visitation be observed in Gossen Funeral Home in Rayne, La on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 from 8:00 am until 2:30 pm.

A rosary will be prayed Tuesday, February 12, 2019 evening at 7:00 pm at Gossen Funeral Home.

Donations may be made in his honor to Notre Dame High School, 910 North Eastern Ave., Crowley, LA 70526 or Our Lady's Catholic School Gymnasium Fund, 1111Cypress St., Sulphur, LA 70663 in memory of Broc Habetz.

The family would like to send a heartfelt thanks to his caregivers, Magen, Dee Dee, Amanda, Gloria, Morgan, Lamm Hospice and also Dr. D. Thomas Curtis.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.gossenfuneralhome.net.

Gossen Funeral Home, Inc., 504 N. Polk St., Rayne, LA 70578, 337-334-3141 has been entrusted with arrrangements.