Lewis Haberman, 90 of Becker Minnesota, passed away peacefully October 9, 2024 surrounded by family. Formerly of Elk River and Brainerd, MN, and Green Valley, AZ, Lewis took his last breaths at Shepherd of Grace in Becker, the same small town he grew up in. 

On July 2, 1934, Lewis was born to Fred and Emma (Hamacher) Haberman on the family farm in rural Becker, he was the 10th of 13 children. He attended the country school through eighth grade, then attended Becker High School for ninth and 10th grades. Lewis then went to work on the family farm when his brothers entered the armed forces. 

The Haberman family of seven boys and six girls learned at a young age what hard work was and that work ethic continued throughout Lewis’s life. At a young age, he recalled picking cucumbers on their farm that were then sold to Gedney Pickles. That was the beginning of many “professions” over the span of his life: 

Lewis was a potato sorter at Sanquist Potatoes in Sauk Rapids; driver/operator of a feed grinder truck, where he traveled to local farms for Schallerg Feedmill in Elk River; attendant at Imperial Gas Station in Big Lake; outside sales at Christenson Brothers Chevrolet in Buffalo and a car and parts runner at Olson Auto Parts in Big Lake for his brother in law Darrell. The family moved from Elk River in 1977 when they purchased Haberman See Gull Resort and Restaurant in Brainerd. Aside from running that business, Lewis began learning the plumbing trade with Yager Plumbing. In 1982 Lewis decided to start his own plumbing business, which he ran until turning it over to his son Wayne in 1995. 

In February of 1954, Lewis married Anita Olson (of Big Lake) and together they raised seven children, remaining married until 1992. Lewis met his life partner Barbara Bonin (of Minneapolis) in 1999. The two of them enjoyed many years together, living between the Brainerd Lakes area, Green Valley, AZ, and finally back “home” to Becker in 2021, (after having not lived in the area since 1962).  It was at this time when his health started to decline. Lewis and Barb cherished their visits from family, especially when their great grandchildren visited them.

Lewis spent much of his free time over the years staying busy with remodeling work for his family, renovating many bathrooms, basements, decks and doing many tile projects. He would often say, “hard work never killed anyone,” which is a quote he lived up to until the age of 85. Lewis looked forward to deer hunting every fall. It was with determination after pulmonary embolism nearly took his life, that Lewis was able to go deer hunting in November of 2021. Lewis shot a 12 point buck that year, claiming to be the largest buck for him, which gained him a front page article with the local paper. He also loved playing cards (especially pinochle), traveling with his sons to gun shows, spending time with family, and being a professional smart-ass. Lewis loved his coffee with lots of cream and honey, homemade pancakes, ice cream, and Coca Cola, the latter he was drinking until the week he passed. 

Lewis was preceded in death by his mother Emma and siblings Robin, Herman and Arnold who all perished in a car accident in rural Becker, June 4th, 1954. We are sure his Mother Emma met him with open arms at the pearly gates. He was also preceded in death by his father Fred, siblings Eva, Emma, Ray, Marcella, Ernest, Adolph, Alice, and Flora, grandson Waylon, and many other relatives. Lewis is survived by his partner of 25 years, Barbara Bonin, children Leonard (Mae), Bluffton, MN, Wayne (Chris), Pine River, MN. Warren, Nisswa, MN, Annette, Big Lake, MN, Rebecca (David) Withrow, Becker MN, Gary (Trudy) Kowalski, Pelican Rapids, MN, Richard, Becker MN, and Bruce (Lisa) Haberman, Brandon MS. Sister Shirley (Darrell) Olson, Becker MN, Sister n laws Thelma Haberman, Marilyn Olson, Eda (Arvid) Secord, and Cella Olson Greene. Lewis is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, many nieces and nephews, and also the mother of his children, Anita Olson O’Dell.

Lewis will be missed dearly. He will be remembered for his head of white hair, twinkling blue eyes, and generous laughter. Think of him in your deer stand, in your hand of cards, in your glass of Coke. Cheers, Dad/grandpa/Lewie. You were perfec’ to us. 

Special thanks to CentraCare Hospice (Lisa, Janelle, Chris, Tanya, and Mary) for the excellent care of Lewis in his final days, as well as the nursing staff at Shepherd of Grace, Becker, MN. 

Services for Lewis will be held at Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church in Becker, MN on Friday, October 18; wake at 10 a.m., funeral at 12 p.m., with luncheon to follow. Internment will take place Monday, October 21 at Becker Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Haberman Family or CentraCare Hospice.