Richard J. Haubensak

Richard James Haubensak was born April 20, 1937 in Fremont, Nebraska to Hugo and LaVerne (Samuelson) Haubensak. He had one sibling, younger sister Ellen Haubensak. Richard was baptized as an infant and confirmed on his 15th birthday, both at Sinai Lutheran Church in Fremont. After high school he attended Midland College and graduated with a BA in Business. In 1970 he received a Master's degree in Business from UNO. Richard's first job after college was in Omaha with Arthur Anderson, a public accounting firm. Soon after moving from Fremont he met his future wife Kathie Wiese. Richard and Kathie were married on October 13, 1962 at First Lutheran Church in Papillion. Their life together was a wonderful adventure. In 1965 Richard was employed by Northern Natural Gas. He worked in the natural gas industry for 36 years until he retired from Utilicorp United as VIce President of Regulatory Affairs. He continued to serve as a consultant for Cornerstone Energy for an additional 10 years. The knowledge, skill and wisdom he brought to his job was considered invaluable. He had a unique mind for mathematics. The fond memories and warm relationships with his coworkers endured until his passing. Throughout his life he was alternately passionate about tennis, long distance running, sailing and skiing but most especially he loved all of the activities of his four children and later his eightgrandchildren. Just this past weekend he was closely following the Platteview boys and girls as they went to the state basketball tournament. For several years Richard felt honored to serve on the National Board of the Good Samaritan Society but being a part of the beginning of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church was truly a highlight in his life. He loved teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir and took the responsibilities of serving as an elder and on various boards very seriously. In 2012 Richard was diagnosed with a rare form of multiple myeloma. He often denied that this disease was actually a part of his life but it gave him time to focus on the new life that awaited him. To paraphrase the late Billy Graham: Someday you will read or hear that Richard Haubensak is dead. Don't you believe a word of it. He is more alive than ever. He has just changed his address. He has gone into the presence of God. He is survived by his loving wife Kathie, his caring sister Ellen, by his precious children, Heidi (Ken) Kantor, Cedar Park, TX; Karen Haubensak, Omaha; James (Carrie) Haubensak, Springfield NE; Leah (Dan) Pedersen, Lombard IL and dearly loved grandchildren, Nate (Megan) Kantor in CO; Nick (Erin) Kantor in PA; Rose Kantor, TX; Raelyn, Meredith and Anna Haubensak, NE; Amelia and Henry Pedersen, IL; brother in law Robert (Carolyn) Wiese; nieces and nephew; special cousin Susan (Mark) McKenzie and Ernie (Jean) Nick and many friends including lifelong friend Frank Brayton, VA. CELEBRATION OF LIFE: 11:00 AM Tues. March 13th at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, 15005 Q St. Omaha, NE 68137 with visitation beginning at 9:30AM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church or the Open Door Mission.