Ludwig George Habada

Lud Habada was born August 17, 1939 in Racine, Wisconsin to Rudolph and Gladys (Racek) Habada. After graduating from Wm. Horlick High School in Racine; class of 1957, Lud served in the Army National Guard from 1956 to 1962 as a proud member of the 32nd “Red Arrow” Division.

In 1962, Lud moved to Mazomanie and helped his parents start Mazo Lumber & Supply. There he met the love of his life, Suzanne Elizabeth Royston — “the prettiest girl in Mazomanie.” They married September 24, 1964, and shared more than 64 years together. In 1974, Lud built the family home himself on the Wisconsin River lot next to his parents’ log cabin. They moved in just after Christmas that year and their family has treasured their home on the river ever since. Lud was the father of five children: daughters Lynn and Lori from his first marriage, and Michael, Matthew, and Michelle with Suzanne.

Lud built a remarkable career in the construction industry, founding Architectural Concepts and later Habada Corp., specializing in commercial and industrial construction. For years, he developed family entertainment centers across the eastern U.S. for Brunswick Bowling Corporation before retiring in 2014.

Lud lived life full-throttle. A lifelong boater, he bought his first vessel as a 12-year-old paperboy and never stopped — his favorite was a 1992 Formula 303 with twin 454 Magnums. He loved snowmobiling, making countless trips through northern Wisconsin, the U.P., and a memorable ride along the Continental Divide trail in Wyoming. He fished, hunted, and later took up golf, where he treasured the camaraderie of his “buddies” at the 19th hole far more than his scorecard. He and Suzanne loved to travel, returning often to the Florida Keys and the national parks of the West.

Social and quick-witted, Lud never missed a chance for a good one-liner or a laugh. Lud and Suzanne could also be found on Wed, and Saturday nights at the Dorf Haus in Roxbury. He was a devoted animal lover all his life, and a man of strong convictions. Lud’s resilience was legendary.

Lud is survived by his beloved wife, Suzanne; his children, Michael (Alexandra), Matthew (Mandie), Michelle (Anthony), Lynn (Jeff) and Lori; his sister, Norita; and many cherished grandchildren, Michael, Jacquelyn, Jasmine, Darrin, Nina, Matthew, Angela, Kayla, Talia, Savannah, Amber, Madeline, Paula, Rodrigo; great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Gladys Habada; his in-laws, Charles and Dolores Royston; and Suzanne’s siblings Robert, Thomas, Cheryl, Charles, and John Royston.

As Lud always said when parting: “KEEP YOUR WITS!”

A visitation for Lud will be held on Wed., June 3, 2026 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm at Hooverson Funeral Home, 251 Water St., Sauk City where Military Honors will be accorded at 5:00 pm by the Lachmund-Cramer VFW Post 7694. A Celebration of Luds life will follow immediately at the Dorf Haus, 8931 Cty. Hwy Y, Roxbury where a eulogy will be said at 6:30 pm. A private burial will be held in the Garden Bluff Cemetery, Westpoint Twshp.

Online condolences may be made at hooversonfuneralhomes.com