Donald W. Haberland
February 26, 1937 - April 9, 2023
Donald W. Haberland passed away peacefully after an extended illness in Rockledge, Florida on April 9, 2023 at the age of 86. His sister, Kathy and daughter, Roberta were by his side. Don was born on February 26, 1937 in Berkley, California. His family moved to Gardnerville when he was 11 years old. After graduation from high school, he joined the United States Navy. After leaving the Navy, Don worked as a communications specialist aboard the USNS Redstone, and later the USNS Observation Island, both Missile Tracking Ships and travelled all over the world. Based at Cape Canaveral in the beginning, Don bought a home in Cocoa, Florida where he raised his family and lived after retiring.
Don loved cars, back country exploring in his jeep cherokee, wood working and geocaching; but his salvation while at sea was exploring the internet. He drove back and forth across the United States with his dog Sassy visiting family in Sparks and Carson City looking for geocaches all along the way. He maintained long friendships with Florida friends & former Missile Range workers and looked forward to his weekly breakfasts with Lacy, Larry and Bobbie.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Violet and Herman, his brother Gary, and his niece, April. He is survived by his sister, Kathy (Norris) Schultz, brother, Larry (Diana) Haberland, daughter, Roberta and grandchildren, Kathy (Michael) Smith and Arthur who goes by Butch (Sissy) Gilreath and several great grandchildren.