Robert E. "Babo" Havlish

ELKHART- Robert E. "Babo" Havlish, 94, of Elkhart passed away on Wednesday March 29, 2017 at Greenleaf Health Campus. He was born December 16, 1922 in Elkhart to Hugo & Helen (Shaner) Havlish. On May 18, 1946 he married M. Bernadine Sullivan. She preceded him in death on October 3, 1987. Surviving are three daughters, Susan Havlish (Mark Robinson) of Nashville, TN, Kathryn "Kit" Loudin (Steve) of Grayslake, IL, Lynn Comer Russ (Anglemyer) of Union, MI; three grandchildren, Terran "Digger" Havlish (Jennifer), Stephanie Comer, Adam Comer (Mirrissa) and four great-grandchildren. Also surviving is his companion of 23 years, Peggy Prugh. He was preceded in death by a son, Mark Havlish and a brother, Richard Havlish. Babo served in the United States Army during W.W.II and was honorably discharged on Feb. 24, 1946 and also attended Utah State University. He was a member of the Elkhart Elks Lodge #425, the Christian Creek Country Club, Morris Park Country Club in South Bend, VFW and the American Legion. He was an avid golfer and Notre Dame fan, but his true love was for his beloved Chicago Cubs. To call Babo a Cubs fan is an understatement. His dreams came true this year as his family was able to take him to Wrigley for the World Series, and he popped a Bud when they won in Cleveland where his daughter and grandson did the same. A season ticket holder since 1984, he was proud have attended 55 consecutive opening days at Wrigley, and his spirit will live on with every crack of the bat. Babo put a lot of smiles on faces, and never failed to entertain. From his storied after-mass basement pool games, tailgates at Notre Dame, jaunts to Wrigley, to entertaining golf and casino trips, he left joy in his wake, and never failed to be kind. He was a gentleman, and a true lover of life. His stories are legendary, and the world could use more of his passion for life. He once told his daughter how lucky he was to have two amazing loves in his life. His wife Bernie was his muse, his sunshine, and true companion for over forty years. A better union couldn't be found. They moved near Wrigley Field upon his retirement, just for the baseball season, and loved to travel, mostly to follow Notre Dame and the Cubs. He then wooed Peggy Prugh in 1994, and again won the lottery of laughter and love. She continued his lucky streak and the family loves and thanks her for being a light in their lives. The family wishes to thank Greenleaf Assisted Living, especially Dawn and Dianna for their care and compassion, Heart to Heart Hospice, and his Goddaughter Debi Franger for their love and support. And, lastly, to card shark Tom McNulty, whose loyalty was unending. Visitation for family and friends will be from 1-4 p.m. Sunday April 2, 2017 at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home. A private family service will follow the visitation and a private family burial will be held on Monday at Rice Cemetery. Contributions can be made in lieu of flowers, please, to the Elkhart Co. Humane Society, or to Cubs Care Charity. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Robert E. "Babo" Havlish please visit our Sympathy Store.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert E. "Babo" Havlish, please visit our floral store.