Violet Habedank, age 96, of Gary, Minnesota, died Sunday, November 5, 2006, in her daughter and son-in-law's home in Gary, where she had made her home for the past 17 years.

Violet Lillian Wasfaret was born July 6, 1910, the daughter of Gilbert and Bertha (Olson) Wasfaret on a farm west of Ulen, Minnesota. Violet was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Jevnaker Lutheran Church near Borup, Minnesota. She also attended country school near there. Violet was united in marriage to Otto A. Habedank on September 25, 1935, in Twin Valley, Minnesota. The couple farmed near Twin Valley for several years before moving into Twin Valley in about 1955. Violet was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Twin Valley, where she was also one of the first Ladies Aide members.

Violet loved growing flowers, doing gardening, cooking as well as baking. In later years, she took up watching television and never missed the car races. Violet was a very special lady and will be missed terribly by friends and family.

Violet is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Kurt Merkle of Gary, MN; three grandchildren, Brad Merkle, Kurt F. Merkle and Ellen Louismet; seven great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Darlene Wasfaret of Ulen, MN; and several nieces, nephews, cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband seven brothers and six sisters.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 10, 2006, at 11:00 AM in Trinity Lutheran Church, Twin Valley. Visitation will be one hour before services at the church on Friday. Officiating will be Pastor Arvid Sahlvus and Pastor Robert Behling with Myrna Thornton serving as organist and Karen Bergstrom and Mark Habedank serving as vocalists. Pallbearers will be Stanley Habedank, Terry Thompson, Cliffton Wasfaret, Ronnie Wasfaret, Wade Horn and Gene Wasfaret. Honorary pallbearers will be Owen Weium, Larry Wasfaret, Cam Sprung and all of her nieces and nephews.

Burial will take place in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley.