PATRICIA LOU HABECK (Jensen) was born July 23, 1938 in Fargo, ND. She was the daughter of Carl and Helen (Johnson) Jensen. Patsy grew up on farms in northern MN, graduating from Ada High School in 1956. She had an early passion for piano and speech and debate. Following graduation form high school, she attended business school in Fargo. Patsy married Jerry Habeck on December 26, 1956. She joined Jerry in Oklahoma as he served in the army at Fort Sill. While raising their family of six children, Pat and Jerry owned three different farms near Twin Valley and Borup MN. Both Pat and Jerry loved life in the country and instilled their hard work ethic in the lives of their children. In 1980, following the lead of friends, they moved their entire operation to the beautiful Black Hills. They had a dairy business for a time, but then began raising Red Angus.
Pat was a classically trained pianist who enjoyed accompanying vocalists, instrumentalists and praise and worship at her church. Even more than playing piano, she loved teaching hundreds of students at all levels of learning and did so for a period of 55 years. Pat was an active member of the Music Teacher’s Association. She had an adventurous spirit which led her to ride horse with the “Country Ladies,” learn to play golf, hike, horse-back ride and four wheel all over the Hills. She had an inquisitive mind so was always involved with a book club, Inquiry Club, and Bible study. Pat also loved to play a card game called “Hand, Knee & Foot” with her friends.
Pat was a member of the New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Spearfish. She had a strong faith in Jesus and shared His love with family and friends. Pat was an energetic woman, with a big smile and kind words of encouragement to everyone she met.
Patricia died at age 86 on Monday, July 29th, at home on the ranch, surrounded by her loving family. Jerry, who preceded her in death, remained the love of her life all of her days.
Pat is survived by her children; Tamera (David) Stombaugh of Tucson, AZ, Mike (Ja’net) Habeck, Jim (Melissa) Habeck, John (Dawn) Habeck, Mindy (Jason) Ward all of Belle Fourche, SD and Missy (Craig) Frick of Chaska, MN. She also has two living sisters, Joann (Bruce) Viker of Halstad, MN and Pam Dukleth of Fargo, ND. Pat has 18 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Marlene Warner and brother, Carl Van Jensen.
A memorial service will be held 10:30am Saturday, September 14th, 2024 at the New Covenant Presbyterian Church in Spearfish. A visitation will be held Friday, from 5pm to 7pm, at Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. Inurnment will take place in the Habeck Red Angus Ranch Cemetery.
Following the service, lunch will be served at the south shelter of the city park in Spearfish, located next to the fish hatchery.
