Clifford Le Roy Habben

CLIFFORD LEROY HABBEN was born on October 14, 1927, to Rolland and Ruby (McLaird) Habben in Tyler, Minnesota. He grew up on a farm between Balaton, Minnesota and Florence, Minnesota. He was baptized at the United Methodist Church in Balaton. He attended school in Balaton through sixth grade. In 1940, he moved to Florence. He was drafted into the United States Army during World War II and served in the Korean War, where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. He served in the infantry as a sniper hunter. He was honorably discharged and returned to Florence. Clifford met Aleida Aleven at a barn dance in Lynd, Minnesota. They were united in marriage on October 28, 1954, at St. Eloi Catholic Church in Ghent, Minnesota. Their union was blessed with 55 years of life together. Cliff and Aly farmed near Russell, Minnesota. Aleida died on March 18, 2009. Clifford remained at his farm home until moving to Tyler in 2010. He remained living in his home in Tyler for several years then came to stay with family before he passed. On December 12, 2022 Cliff was reunited with Aly in the arms of his Saviour at the age of 95 years, 1 month, and 30 days.

Clifford was a member of St. Dionysius Catholic Church in Tyler. He was a member of a veterans’ group in Marshall, Minnesota. He loved all animals, but especially his many dogs. In later years, they were all named Tiny, because, as Clifford said, “I can remember that one.” He also loved music particularly polka, country, and was often touched by Gospel music. He also enjoyed dancing, especially the polka. He was very devoted to his faith and his family, attending worship regularly, and always enjoyed time spent with his family. He will be lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews as a kind uncle with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes. He ended every visit with “Bye, bye.”

Clifford is lovingly remembered by his sister, Jean Tvedt of Tyler, Minnesota; brother-in-law Joseph Aleven of Kimberly, Wisconsin; and many nieces, nephews, other family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Aleida; parents; six sisters, Harriet, Daisy, Gertrude, Ruby, Hazel, and Lois; and brother, Rolland Jr.