Vernon John Haberman

NEWCASTLE — Vernon John Haberman, 78, Newcastle, died Feb. 25, 2024, at a nursing facility in Kearney. A Mass of Christian Burial was March 2 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Newcastle, with Fr. Owen W. Korte as Celebrant. Burial followed at Calvary Cemetery, adjacent to the church. Visitation, with the family present, was March 1, 2024 at the St. Peter’s Hall, Newcastle, with a prayer service and rosary. Arrangements were under the direction of Mohr Funeral Home, Ponca. Vernon was born June 26, 1945 in Fordyce, to Anthony and Leona (Lange) Haberman. He received his education at Yankton (S.D.) High School before joining his father on the family farm. Vernon also worked for the Cedar County Road Department, on a county road crew. In November 1965, he joined the Schulte Construction crew, as a heavy equipment operator, working there until 1990. Vernon then joined Lathan with Detlefsen Construction, continuing his skills as a heavy equipment operator, and known as the best CAT skinner in Northeast Nebraska (CAT skinner refers to Vernon’s ability to skin the ground with his Caterpillar Earth Mover to very precise accuracy). Once retired in November 2021, Vernon helped out Ronald Nelson Construction before finally deciding to give up the keys.