Evelyn Habenicht

Evelyn E. Habenicht, 86, of Bettendorf, died Thursday, December 31, 2020 at the home of her daughter Karen. She was surrounded by her adoring children at the time of her passing.

Due to the current health crisis, there will be a small family gathering at the Rock Island National Cemetery-Arsenal Island to lay her to rest. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Anthony’s Care and Share program in Davenport, Iowa.

Halligan-McCabe-DeVries is assisting the family with arrangements.

Evelyn Elizabeth Halligan was born on January 21, 1934 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, daughter of Arthur and Dorothy (Felkey) Halligan. She attended Corpus Christi Catholic School. She married Mervin R. Habenicht on December 4, 1953. He preceded her in death on May 16, 2012 after 59 years of marriage, 5 children and 5 state football championships.

Evelyn was very creative. She made cakes and flower arrangements for weddings and parties at her Habenicht Gift Boutique. She taught cake decorating classes at Scott Community College. She made parade floats with her neighbors and gingerbread houses with her grandchildren.

Evelyn loved to sing. Her first solo was in a first-grade musical. She was a faithful member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church where she shared her beautiful voice in the choir.

Evelyn was Merv’s biggest cheerleader and support. She was always at Merv’s side watching football practice and walked onto the field to meet him after every game. The players all knew Mrs. Habenicht because she fed hundreds of them dinner and treats.

Evelyn will be lovingly remembered by her children Nan Habenicht, Kurt Habenicht (Julie), Karen Habenicht and Jill Clement (Zack); her grandchildren Jesse (Leslie), Cody, Cameo, Katie, Anthony, Sarah (Allen), Justin, Bobby, Abraham, Elizabeth, Allen (Natalie), Susan (Aaron), Meredith (Doug), Catherine (Alex), McKenna, Sam and Greta; her great grandchildren Kaleb, Ayla (Christian), Max, Jack, Vivian, Hunter, Mila, Charlotte, Sadie, Sam, Chaz, Luca, Xavier, Silas, Genevieve, Madeleine, Taylor, Sloane, Roxanne, Charlotte, Wendy, Lydia, Nancy, William, Kristina, Jacob, Elijah, Thomas and Jane; her great-great grandson Malachi.

In addition to her husband, Merv, Evelyn was preceded in death by her son, Robert in 1974, her grandson Benjamin in 2020 and her parents and siblings Otis and Patrick Halligan and Madlyn Wafful. May they rest in peace.