Msgr. James David Habiger

Served the people of God for 61 years as a faithful priest. Age 85 of Saint Paul. On early Tuesday morning, October 9, 2012, he entered eternal life, united once again with parents, Joseph and Edith and brother, Joe. Raised in Owatonna, he graduated from St. John's Preparatory School in Collegeville, received a BA from St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore and his MA in education from Catholic University, Washington, D.C. and was ordained to the priesthood on May 19, 1951. He served at parishes in Austin, Winona and Rochester. After serving as high school principal at Cotter in Winona, he was appointed Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Winona, a post he held for 17 years. He was well respected among his peers and held several national education offices. In 1980 he became the Director of the MN Catholic Conference, where he represented the bishops of the state on legal, social and political issues. He also served as chaplain of the MN House and Senate and was moderator of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women. Fr. Habiger served several Twin City churches including Holy Name of Jesus, Medina, Lumen Christi, St.Paul and was a weekend associate for St. Peter's in North St Paul for many years as well as a chaplain at University of St Thomas. He is survived by his sister, Jean Mathews; sister-in-law, Lorraine Habiger; uncle, Jerome Habiger; nieces, nephews, cousins and their families; and many, many dear friends. Visitation 1-5PM (with prayers at 4PM) Sunday, October 14 at CHURCH OF ST PETER, 2600 Margaret Street N., North St. Paul. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30AM (visitation begins at 9:00AM) Monday, October 15 at CHAPEL OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, University of St Thomas, St Paul. (Parking information for the funeral is found on the funeral home website.) Interment 3PM Monday in Holy Trinity Cemetery, Litomysl, near Owatonna. A Memorial Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Owatonna at a later date. Memorials preferred to the Sisters of St. Francis of Rochester and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St Paul. Go gently to the Lord... Complimentary parking is available for the Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas in parking lot A, entrance off of Selby and Finn Avenue. Out of courtesy to the neighbors and to avoid a city parking violation, please don't park on any of the streets surrounding St. Thomas or the neighborhood. These streets require a city permit.

Tributes

Msgr. James David Habiger

February 6, 1927 - October 9, 2012

Tributes

Msgr. James David Habiger

February 6, 1927 - October 9, 2012

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