Orville Habeck

Orville Habeck, 85, of Milbank, SD, and formerly of Marvin, SD, passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Avantara in Milbank. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank. Deacon Chet Cordell will officiate. Burial will be held at the Milbank City Cemetery. The family asks that you wear a hat to the service as a way to honor Orville and his love of hats. 

Orville Earl Habeck was born on November 22, 1939, to Henry and Gretchen (Schneck) Habeck on the family farm located near Marvin, SD. He attended Kilborn County School, where he completed his education through the 8th grade. Following his schooling, Orville began working on the farm alongside his father, Henry, where he developed a deep appreciation for the land and farming life.

On November 21, 1969, Orville married Louise Pribbenow in Milbank, SD. They were blessed with two children, Jason and Jolene. 

Farming proved to be challenging over the years, and when he eventually had to stop farming, Orville transitioned to other work. He initially drove a school bus for a couple of years. He later took up a position as a truck driver for Hedge and Herberg, before finding a long-term role as a janitor at the Milbank School, where he worked from 1996 until 2008. In 2021, after suffering a stroke, Orville moved into Avantara.

Orville had a genuine love for the outdoors and a deep respect for animals. He found joy in being surrounded by nature and treated animals with great care and kindness.

Orville is survived by his son, Jason Habeck of Milbank, SD, his son-in-law, Joe Kleppe; and step-granddaughter, Aurora Kleppe. He was preceded in death by his parents: Henry and Gretchen Habeck; his beloved wife, Louise; his daughter, Jolene Louise Kleppe; two infant grandchildren; and his two sisters: Francis Wohlleber and Arlene Rude.