Janet "Jan" A. Haberland

Jan Haberland, age 90, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2026, in Bloomington, Illinois, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Bay City, Michigan, on October 21, 1935, to the late Paul and Elizabeth (Tacey) Droptiny, Jan lived a life marked by kindness, strength, integrity, and devotion to those she loved.

Jan shared a remarkable 65-year marriage with her husband, Cliff Haberland, the love of her life. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Together, Jan and Cliff taught their boys the value of character, hard work, perseverance, and never giving up. As a homemaker and devoted sports mom, she enthusiastically supported the many athletic pursuits of all her sons.

Standing just 4 feet, 10 inches tall, Jan never let her stature hold her back. She was fiercely competitive, and her grandchildren quickly learned that when it came to games, Grandma was always in it to win it. She and Cliff loved the outdoors, including camping, boating, hunting, and sports. Jan was actively involved in she and Cliff's neighborhood association, and she treasured the neighborhood friendships she made over the years. Although Michigan was her lifelong home, she spent her final 18 months in Bloomington, Illinois, where she lived in an assisted living community. She quickly made good friends, and it didn't take long for her competitive spirit to shine there as well, especially whenever there was a game of bingo.

Jan departed this life peacefully where she was reunited with her beloved husband, Cliff, who preceded her in death. Though her family mourns her passing, they find comfort in the many cherished memories she leaves behind in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Jan is survived by four sons: Kim 72 (Terri), Todd 69 (Lynn), Rick 65 (Carra), and Joel 59 (Debbie), 14 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren, and brother-in-law’s Rodney Valliere and Ken Carey.

In addition to her husband and parents, Jan was preceded in death by her son Joseph, grandson Kiel, stepmother Virginia (Neering) Droptiny, and sisters Judy (Droptiny) Valliere and Mary Jane (Droptiny) Carey.

A memorial service will be held at Gephart Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Family and friends are invited to visit at the funeral home on Friday, August 21, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Her final resting place will be in Floral Gardens Cemetery in Bay City.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make an expression of sympathy may consider a memorial contribution to Bay City Southwest Little League in Jan Haberland's memory.