Gerald L. Haberman

Gerald Lee "Jerry" Haberman, 95, of Ellensburg, Washington, passed away peacefully at home on September 12, 2026, with his loving wife Mary at his side.

Jerry was born in Ellensburg on September 4, 1931, to Martin and Ruby (Gustafson) Haberman. He grew up on the family farm in Kittitas County alongside his brothers Gene and John. He graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1951. Notably, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves in 1950, while still in high school. Jerry was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy who dedicated his life to his family and community. After serving on the aircraft carrier USS BonhommeRichard CV-31 during the Korean War, he received his honorable discharge in 1954.

When he returned home, Jerry married Mary Elizabeth Kehrer on February 3, 1955. The following years were busy as he started a new career with the Ellensburg Telephone Company while raising their seven children. Jerry was also a local scoutmaster, helping to shape young men to the highest rank of Eagle Scout.

In 1991, Jerry retired from the Ellensburg Telephone Company after 36 years. Retirement only opened a new chapter for Jerry, who poured his time into his farm and his family. He loved raising goats, cows and other farm animals, gardening, woodworking and fishing. One of his greatest passions was raising pigeons, often traveling far away just to release them and wait for them to navigate back home to the farm. Jerry and his wife also loved the open road, taking long cross-country road-trips or simply driving the roads in Kittitas County. This continued until just a few months ago. Locals well knew Jerry’s red Toyota; they knew it was Jerry and Mary when they heard it coming or found themselves among the line of cars behind it.

Locally, Jerry was a familiar, friendly face enjoying his morning coffee at Super One with his phone company buddies. Above all, Jerry was an upstanding man whose absolute greatest joy was his wife, Mary and the life they built together. He was the most dedicated grandfather ever, helping to raise multiple generations.

Jerry is now reunited in heaven with his parents; his brothers Gene and John; son Gerald ‘Dutch’ Edward Haberman and daughter Lori Ann Haberman.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 71 years, Mary Elizabeth Haberman; children Sandra (Ross) Bennett, Thomas (Gayla) Haberman, Martin (Laurie) Haberman, Charles Haberman and Carolyn (Thomas) Noel; as well as 12 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

In accordance with his wishes, a private graveside service will be held to honor his life and legacy. He loved his family more than anything and will be dearly missed.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com