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.

Vernon married Sharon Konfrst Oct. 28, 1967, in Dante, S.D. They had four children. He was a proud member of the St. Peter’s Catholic Church, enjoyed being an usher, and a member of the parish council. Vernon had a love for horses, was an avid reader, especially National Geographic, and the Omaha World Herald … cover to cover, and was a true diehard fan of the TV show “Gunsmoke.” He loved to play cards, and he was proud to teach his children and grandchildren the skills of playing various card games.

Beyond a love for his family, Vernon cheered on the Nebraska Cornhuskers, attending countless spring games, and most home football games in Lincoln.

Vernon is survived by his wife Sharon, Newcastle; children, Kimberly Haberman Bastille, Fort Collins, Colo,; Jerrod (Heather) Haberman, Westminster, Colo.; Michelle (Rob) Tubbs, Kearney; and Kevin (Mary) Haberman, Sioux Falls, S.D.; eight grandchildren, Ryan (Kelsey) Martinson, Izzie (Tristan) Bastille, Sebastien Bastille, Jenae Tubbs, Kassidy Haberman, Gray (Asbrae) Bastille, Seirra Haberman, and Devin Tubbs; great-grandson, Oliver Martinson; siblings, Mary Ellen Heflin, Wilfred (Joyce) Haberman, Walter (Janice) Haberman,Arlene (Gary) Heine, Vivian (Dennis) Loecker, Lois Koelder, Elmer (Lora) Haberman, and Inez Foster; and sisters-in-law, Joan Haberman and Jerri Haberman.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, brothers James “Jimmy” and Darold; and brothers-in-law, Gary Heflin and Tim Foster.