Vernon John Haberman

Vernon John Haberman, 78 of Newcastle, Nebraska passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at a nursing facility in Kearney, Nebraska.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 2, 2024 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Newcastle with Father Owen W. Korte as Celebrant.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, adjacent to the church.   Visitation, with the family present, will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2024 at the St. Peter’s Hall in Newcastle with a Prayer/Rosary Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Friday evening.   Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.meyerbroschapels.com

Vernon was born at home on June 26, 1945 in Menominee, Nebraska on the family homestead, to Anthony and Leona (Lange) Haberman.  He received his education at Yankton High School before joining his father on the family farm.  Vernon also worked for the Cedar County Road Department, on a county road crew.  In November of 1965, he joined the Schulte Construction crew, as a heavy equipment operator, working there until 1990.  Vernon then joined Lathan with Detlefsen Construction, continuing his skills as a heavy equipment operator, and known as the best CAT skinner in Northeast Nebraska (CAT skinner refers to Vernon’s ability to skin the ground with his Caterpillar Earth Mover to very precise accuracy).  Once retired in November of 2021, Vernon helped out Ronald Nelson Construction before finally deciding to give up the keys.

Vernon married Sharon Konfrst on October 28, 1967 in Dante, South Dakota.  To this union, four children were born.  He was a proud member of the St. Peter’s Catholic Church, enjoyed being an usher, and a member of the parish council.  Vernon had a love for horses, was an avid reader (especially National Geographic, and the Omaha World Herald…. cover to cover), and was a true diehard of the show Gunsmoke on television.  He loved to play cards, any game would do for Vernon, and he was proud to teach his children and grandchildren the skills of playing various card games.   Beyond a love for his family, Vernon cheered on the Nebraska Cornhuskers, attending countless spring games, and most home football games in Lincoln.  

Vernon is survived by his wife Sharon of Newcastle, Nebraska; children Kimberly Haberman Bastille of Fort Collins, Colorado, Jerrod (Heather) Haberman of Westminster, Colorado, Michelle (Rob) Tubbs of Kearney, Nebraska, and Kevin (Mary) Haberman of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; eight grandchildren Ryan (Kelsey) Martinson, Izzie (Tristan) Bastille, Sebastien Bastille, Jenae Tubbs, Kassidy Haberman, Gray (Asbrae) Bastille, Sierra Haberman, and Devin Tubbs; great-grandson Oliver Martinson; siblings Mary Ellen Heflin, Wilfred (Joyce) Haberman, Walter (Janice) Haberman, Arlene (Gary) Heine, Vivian (Dennis) Loecker, Lois Koelder, Elmer (Lora) Haberman, and Inez Foster; and sisters-in-law Joan Haberman and Jerri Haberman.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, brothers James “Jimmy” and Darold, and brothers-in-law Gary Heflin and Tim Foster.