Wendel (Bob) Haben, Jr.

Haben, Jr., Wendel (Bob) Francis Haben, Jr. of Edina, passed away January 21.

Bob was preceded in death by wife of 62 years, Julie, parents Wendel, Sr. and Louise (Siepelmeyer) Haben, brothers Jack, Bill and Tom.

He is survived by brother Paul, sons David (Lana), Robert (Gretchen), & John (Amy); daughter Maureen Bailey; grandchildren Allison, Kristian, Madeline, Birdjan, Charlie, Natalie, Jack & Will; great grandson Owen.

Bob was born and spent his early childhood in Red Wing, MN before the family moved to Minneapolis. He was a graduate of DeLaSalle High School, and a proud member of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War where he served from 1951-53 as a parachute rigger.

Bob graduated in 1957 from Marquette University with a B.S. in business. Bob started his long and varied business career with Dayton’s Department Stores and was assigned to a research team that created Target Stores. He also held multiple other positions at Dayton’s, including HR Manager, Sporting Goods Buyer and Group Merchandise Manager. He was an independent Recruiter for Target Stores as well as an HR Consultant. He served as Vice President of Personnel and Operations for Powers Department Stores. He was also a national Retail Consultant for Ernst & Young.

In 1989 he formed MacBirdie Golf Gifts, operating seasonal kiosks in shopping malls as well as a year-round store at Mall of America from 1993-2003. The business concept was franchised in 1997, eventually growing to 20 franchises in the U.S. and in Canada.

After retirement Bob continued to stay active in business by sharing his knowledge and experience through volunteer work for SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives), where he served as a mentor to small businesses and start-ups in Minnesota. Bob served on the Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society, The Minnesota Retail Federation, Minneapolis Downtown Council, Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and Junior Achievement of Minneapolis.

Bob was one of the founders of the Bay Lake Improvement Association, Deerwood, MN and was a past member of both the Minneapolis Rotary and Daybreakers Breakfast Club. He loved his family, thoroughly enjoying the wonderful times they spent together at Bay Lake, golf, traveling, reading and especially keeping his mind challenged and active in a myriad of ways. The lifelong friendships and fellowship developed through school, business, volunteering and his faith meant a lot to Bob.

A special thanks to Peggy at Fairview Home Care and Hospice, the many caregivers and volunteers at NC Little Hospice and to Fr. Kevin Finnegan at Our Lady of Grace for their tireless work and service.

Visitation one hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to John Paul II Catholic Preparatory School, 1630 - 4th St NE Minneapolis, MN 55413.

Saturday, January 27, 2018 02:00 PM

The Church of Our Lady of Grace 5071 Eden Avenue Edina, MN

Visitation one hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to John Paul II Catholic Preparatory School, 1630 - 4th St NE Minneapolis, MN 55413.