Anthony W. "Tony" Habeck

Anthony Wayne “Tony” Habeck, 63, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, under the care of his loving HCO staff, family, and Winona Hospice at his home in Winona. 

Tony was born on March 20, 1962, to Wayne R. and Lucille C. (Flanigan) Habeck. He was the first of five children. When Tony was born, his parents owned a farm in Ridgeway while also working factory jobs in Winona. 

Early in life, Tony was diagnosed with a mental disorder later identified as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). He was unable to speak or communicate as a young child. At age 4, with two younger sisters at home, his parents made the difficult decision to place him in a group home in Austin, Minn. Over the years, Tony attended several schools for children with developmental disabilities. 

When he was 15, he had the opportunity to attend classes for the hearing impaired. There, a special and attentive teacher discovered that Tony could read, write, and solve complex math problems. Although he continued to struggle with communication, he expressed himself in creative, mischievous, and entertaining ways that brought joy to those around him.

At age 21, with the help of Winona County, Tony moved into a Home and Community Options (HCO) residence in Winona, where he lived for the next 42 years and received exceptional care. He also attended the Winona County Developmental Achievement Center (DAC) for 38 years, participating in both social and work programs.

Tony was well known as a prankster. Some of his favorite antics included stealing anyone’s pop, turning on his roommate’s lights early in the morning, testing new staff to see what he could get away with, using naughty sign language, leaving fingerprints on windows and mirrors, and staging his mannequin head around the house. 

He found joy in many simple pleasures: McDonald’s, all kinds of pop, especially Mountain Dew, M&Ms, his besties and roommates at HCO, and spending time with family. He loved searching the internet on his iPad, solving math problems, doing word searches, listening to 70s and 80s rock, going for rides, watching trains, enjoying Steamboat Days, walking around the lake, eating mashed potatoes, ice cream with sprinkles, and squirting whipped cream straight into his mouth. He also loved teasing staff by telling them they were “annoying,” and calming when they played Gas Pedal or Lil Wayne. 

At HCO, Tony was known as “the guy who knew everything happening within a mile.” He was always listening and observing, and though he kept his thoughts close, his words and gestures carried great meaning when he chose to share them. Tony was a truly unique and remarkable person who is deeply missed.

In addition to living with ASD, Tony faced other health challenges, including osteoporosis, dysphagia, and, most recently, Lewy body dementia. Despite it all, he showed incredible strength and perseverance, maintaining his love for life and his favorite things until the end.

HCO was a blessing for Tony, providing a loving home and opportunities for a happy, fulfilling life within the Winona community. His family is forever grateful for their extraordinary care, compassion, and dedication. 

Tony is survived by his four siblings: Brenda (Fred) Tryan and Jamie Habeck, of Winona; Pam (Tom) Wolfe, of Buffalo City; and Kurt (Shelly) Habeck, of Apple Valley, Minn.; along with 13 nieces and nephews and 13 great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. 

A memorial service for family and friends (weather permitting) will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Witoka Cemetery in Witoka. All are welcome to celebrate Tony’s life at the Winona American Legion from 2:30 to 4 p.m. 

Memorial gifts may be directed to Home and Community Options of Winona, which provide support and residential services to individuals with developmental disabilities. 

Online donations may be made at www.hco.org/donate.