Roger Fredrick Haberman

Roger Fredrick Haberman, the son of Fredrick and Florence Haberman, was born on September 20, 1939, in Spencer, Iowa. He spent his childhood in rural Everly, Iowa, where he farmed alongside his father, played baseball, and graduated from Everly Community School in 1957.

After high school, Roger attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he met the love of his life, Rona Teslow. They were married on July 23, 1961. Following Roger’s graduation, the couple moved to Mallard, Iowa, where they welcomed their first daughter, Kim in 1962. Soon after, they relocated to South Bend, Indiana, where Roger attended and taught at the University of Notre Dame. In 1964, their son Todd was born.

Roger’s career next led them to Decorah, Iowa, where he accepted a position at Luther College. While living in Decorah, they welcomed their third child, Kelli in 1967. In 1968, the family returned to Everly, where Roger began his long tenure as the high school math teacher. He remained in that role until his retirement in 2004, shaping the minds and lives of countless students.

In addition to teaching, Roger spent many evenings refereeing and umpiring junior high and high school sports, a role he cherished for the opportunity to support youth development. He also worked weekends at Harms Implement, assisting with bookkeeping.

Roger had a lifelong love of reading and listening to baseball games, especially enjoying the quiet rhythm of the sport and the stories it told. He was known for his calm demeanor, dry wit, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.

In 2021, after a serious bout of pneumonia, Roger moved into Riverview Assisted Living, where he found comfort in the companionship of others. Following a fall in 2024, he transitioned to St. Luke’s Nursing Home, where he was lovingly cared for until his passing.

Roger passed away peacefully on November 17, 2025, at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rona, and his parents, Fredrick and Florence.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Kim Cook (Randy) of Grand Prairie, TX, and Kelli Terpstra (Rick) of Allen, TX; his son Todd Haberman of Rochester Hills, MI; 6 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and two sisters, Ruth Martin (Bob) of Madison, WI, and Kathy Larson (Bill) of Baltimore, MD; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Roger’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched through education, sports, and family. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

*In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Everly Heritage Museum 306 N. Main St. Everly, IA 51338