Paul J.H. Haberstock

Rev. Paul Joe Henry Haberstock, age 90, of Des Plaines, Illinois passed away July 13, 2026. He was born June 20, 1936 to Hanna Emma (nee Stuecher) and Josef Haberstock in Akron, Ohio. He experienced hardship at an early age when his father died in 1941. Raised by his mother, with the loving support of his grandmother and extended family, he developed a lifelong commitment to faith, education, and service.

After his mother remarried in 1949, the family moved to Mayfield Heights, Ohio. He graduated as valedictorian of Cleveland Lutheran High School in 1954 before attending Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois. There he pursued his passion for organ performance and sacred music, singing in the renowned A Cappella Choir under Victor Hildner and serving as an organist in several congregations.

Following graduation, he toured the United States as organist for The Foresters, a male quartet from Concordia, creating memories and friendships that remained dear throughout his life.

He began his professional career in 1958 as a teacher and church musician at Martin Luther Chapel and Christian Day School in Pennsauken, New Jersey. On July 1, 1961, he married Dorothy Chorba, beginning a loving partnership that spanned decades. Together they welcomed two children, Werner Paul and Kristen Lu.

The family later moved to Detroit, where he served as a teacher and Director of Music at Peace Lutheran Church and School while earning a Master of Education degree from Wayne State University. Answering a call to pastoral ministry, he entered Concordia Seminary through the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod's colloquy program, was ordained in 1972, and served as Assistant Pastor and Director of Church Music at Concordia Lutheran Church in Maplewood, Missouri during a pivotal period in Lutheran history.

He continued his ministry as pastor of Zoar Lutheran Church in Elmwood Park, Illinois, and later as Assistant Pastor and Director of Church Music at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Des Plaines. His ministry combined preaching, pastoral care, music, and outreach, reflecting his belief that faith is expressed both in worship and compassionate service.

Recognizing a calling to care for those facing illness and loss, he completed Clinical Pastoral Education and became a Board Certified Chaplain. In 1992 he accepted the position of Director of Spiritual Care at Olympia Fields Osteopathic Hospital, later serving under St. James Hospital and the Franciscan health system. As a hospital chaplain, he ministered to countless patients, families, and healthcare professionals, helping build volunteer chaplain programs and advocating for excellence in spiritual care. He retired in 2001 but continued serving part-time for several years.

Throughout his life, he remained devoted to church music, education, and lifelong learning. He found joy in building harpsichords, walking daily, traveling with Dorothy, and worshiping with congregations that nourished his faith. Above all, he treasured his family.

He is survived by his loving children, Werner (Karen) and Kristen (David) Levit; his grandchildren, Jennifer Louise, Kathryn Marie, and William Paul.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy, his parents and other beloved family members who shaped his early life.

A man of unwavering faith, he lived with confidence in God's promises and looked forward to the resurrection through Jesus Christ. In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated, and his cremated remains will be placed alongside Dorothy's at Concordia Cemetery in Forest Park, Illinois, where they will rest in the hope of Christ's return and the promise of eternal life.

A memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 10:00 am until the time of service at 11:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 855 Lee Street, Des Plaines, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Paul’s name to the Immanuel Lutheran Memorial Fund. Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com.