George Ray Habhegger, 91, passed away on May 19, 2023 in Bradenton, Florida. He was born on July 27, 1931 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Ruth Habhegger. George will always be remembered for his smile and warm heart. He cared for everyone and always wanted to make them happy. He lived an amazing long life and will be missed by his family and everyone he influenced at the A&W Drive In, where he worked as a restaurant owner for 40 years.

George graduated from West Division High School and later served in the Marine Corp. In his free time George loved deep-sea fishing, traveling to warmer climates, like Key West, Florida, Aruba, and taking care of his many plants. His family has so many wonderful memories vacationing with him and going fishing with him.

He is survived by his 3 children, Heidi Habhegger, Doug (Cheryl) Habhegger, Janet (Brian) Hilliker; 5 grandchildren, Brian (Holly) Hilliker, Garrett (Leah) Hilliker, Austin (Elizabeth) Hilliker, Amanda Hilliker, and Gabrielle Habhegger. He has 2 great-grandchildren, Juniper Hilliker and Daisy Hilliker.

George is also survived by his brother Ronald (Carol) Habhegger, nieces Lisa Rossman, Terry (Teddy) Stevens; nephews Tom (Tina) Habhegger, and Charlie (Shannon) Habhegger.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy Jane Habhegger.

A celebration of George’s life will be held on Thursday, June 15 from 12 PM to 2 PM at Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home, 10121 W. North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53226. Please come and celebrate George’s life by having a root beer float!

Full military honor burial will follow at Wisconsin Memorial Park for everyone wishing to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary are appreciated at bigcathabitat.org.