Lester N. Habegger
Lester Noah Habegger, 92, passed away July 6, 2017 in Spokane, Washington. He was born on November 13, 1924 in Monroe Township to Jacob and Rosina Habegger.
He was the youngest of 10 children. He graduated from high school in Berne and was so fond of his Hoosier roots. He served proudly as a medic in WWII. He attended Wheaton College and University of Minnesota, graduating with a bachelors and masters in physical education and counseling.
His career life was dedicated to his love of basketball serving as head basketball coach and athletic director at Seattle Pacific University, assistant coach and general manager with NBA Seattle Supersonics (NBA Champions 1979), and head basketball coach in European League German team (1988-1995). He enjoyed partnering with Bob Houbregs (Hougregs Basketball Camp, 1963-1979) forming a successful basketball camp for young athletes. He had the distinction of three basketball Hall of Fame awards, inducted Northwestern College 2003, inducted Seattle Pacific University 2004, and inducted Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame 2014.
He was thankful for his accomplishments in basketball but most important to him were his faith in Jesus Christ, his family, and his friends. He was an honorable, well-respected man and a loving father and grandfather, brother and uncle who was dearly loved in return. He loved his family and friends and that love was returned. He will be missed tremendously.
He is survived by his brother, Cliff (Betty) Habegger of Berne; son, Scott (Toni) Habegger; daughter, Julie Habegger; three grandchildren, Megan, Samantha, and Anjulie; former spouse Anne of Spokane, Washington; 18 nieces and nephews and their families; and a large extended family.
He was laid to rest in Washington State where his immediate family resides with full military ceremony at Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, Washington.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 2 at First Mennonite Church Chapel in Berne with a reception following.