Rolf Maxwell Habanek

Rolf M. Habanek passed away to join his older brother Maxwell in heaven after a 6-month battle with cancer on Thursday, October 24, 2024. He was one day shy of his 20th birthday. He fought courageously with hope and strength each day until the end.

Rolf was cherished and loved by his family who stood by his side through life and his battle with cancer. He had a great sense of humor and an easy smile that made you thankful to spend time with him. He was a great brother to his older brother Fritz.

Rolf was a genuine and selfless friend. He was known for giving his friends rides in his Rolf-Mobile and singing songs in the car. He treasured his friends and was always there when they needed him, approaching their problems with empathy, compassion and a positive mindset.

Rolf will be remembered as a talented soccer player. He traveled with different soccer teams to play in Argentina and Germany. He loved his teammates who he regarded as the most important players on the pitch. He played for the Kettle Moraine Lasers, Elm Brook United Soccer Club, Strike F.C., Colorado Rapids Youth Development Academy, and was a member of the F. C. Milwaukee Torrent Family.

He also loved to play golf and chip balls in the backyard, which he did right up until his final trip to the hospital. If you were lucky enough to play with him, you would have marveled at his smooth and powerful swing.

As a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Rolf played rugby as a starting Wing and backup Scrummy. He made many valuable friendships with his teammates, coaches, and competitors.

Rolf loved to travel and spend time learning about different cultures. He loved spending time in Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Argentina and Mexico, marveling at the different foods and unique cultures. His easy nature left us all with great memories and him with many friends.

He was proceeded in death by his Grandparents Gerald S. and Sarah Habanek, and his brother Maxwell Habanek. Left to cherish Rolf’s memory are his parents Kristi, and Jerry Habanek, his brother Fritz Habanek, his cherished dogs; Nikos and Lola, his Grandparents; Jerrold and LeAnne Koch, his Aunts and Uncles; Gregory and Holly Johnstone, Vic and Cheryl Schneider, Andy and Lori Mommaerts, Craig and Mary Schiefelbein, Cobe and Kristin Short and his cousins; Cole Johnstone, Simon Johnstone, Justin Short, Zachary and Tina Mommaerts, Taylor Mommaerts, Hans Schiefelbein, Klaus Schiefelbein and Greta Schiefelbein and his Swiss namesake Rolf and Susanne Bachman.

A Celebration of Rolf's Life will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Pagenkopf Funeral Home in Oconomowoc, at 4:00 PM with a visitation for family and friends starting at 1:00 PM until time of service. A banquet will follow the service at Pagenkopf Funeral Home for more time to share memories and stories of Rolf. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Rolf Habanek Soccer Scholarship.

We would like to thank all the healthcare providers that treated Rolf with great dignity and provided such good care for our son. Specifically, the Cancer Teams at Aurora St. Lukes Hospital, Aurora Summit Hospital, and the University of Chicago Hospital.