Helmut W. Haberland

Helmut "Opa" Haberland, 90, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday October 1, 2014.

Helmut, the son of Willi and Augusta Haberland, was born April 14, 1924 in Königsberg, Germany. He led an incredibly full life, learning to sail on the Baltic Sea as a boy, serving in the German navy in submarines, followed by service in the army and several years in a prisoner of war camp in Russia. Throughout these difficult years and for the rest of his life, he was known for his marvelous sense of humor. Following the challenges of WWII, he married Hannelore Kraemer and started a family. With two young daughters, the family moved to America, settling in Michigan, where their third daughter was born. Helmut was always proud of how he was able to establish a successful career as a typesetter in this new country, setting type in English as he learned the language. He supported his family and flourished, spending his free time sailing on Lake Huron. Following a divorce, he married Ruth Howe and they spent many happy years together near Rogers City in northern Michigan, where he always claimed the air was somehow fresher. After Ruth's death, he prepared for a quiet, solitary life. However, he was blessed to meet the woman he called the true love of his life, Georgian Thuss. Georgie breathed fresh air into his life and he found new energy and happiness through her and her family. Following Georgian's death, and some health issues of his own, Helmut moved to Green Bay to be close to his many family members here. He spent years visiting with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and enjoying his daughters' care and company. Helmut will be missed, but the joy and laughter he brought to all those around him will never be forgotten.

Helmut is survived by his three daughters Monika Haberland, Green Bay; Helga McCann and her husband Kevin, Green Bay; Brigitte Durand and her husband James, Zebulon, NC. Helmut is the grandfather, or Opa, of Michelle Burris (Tim), Jason Crowly (Jessica), Angela Allard (Ernie), Bridget DaPra (Lucas), Kurt McCann, and Josef and Hannah Durand. He also leaves 6 great grandchildren: Austin (12), Layla (10), and Ryan Crowly (8); Cannon Burris (8); Kevin (5) and Peter (2.5) Allard; and Roy DaPra (3).

Visitation will be held from 2:00pm until 3:30pm on Sunday, October 5, 2014, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay *(Monroe Ave., is closed. Access to funeral home is available off Madison St., One Block West of Monroe Ave., or Crooks St.)* Sharing of memories will take place at 3:30pm.