James W. "Bill" Hablawetz, 79, of Hicksville, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at Vancrest of Hicksville.  Bill was born August 31, 1942, in Auburn, Indiana, the son of the late Robert and Alta (Hamilton) Hablawetz.  He was a 1961 graduate of Riverdale High School.  Bill proudly served in the United States Army during Vietnam, serving from April 1964 until his honorable discharge in April 1966.  Bill married Brenda K. Smalley on June 5, 1966, in Hicksville, Ohio, and she survives.  Bill worked in the Shipping Department for 5 Acre Mill in Hicksville, and prior to that as a welder/ bander for Vulcraft in St. Joe, Indiana.  Bill was a devoted member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Hicksville, Ohio, and the Knights of Columbus Council #10043, Hicksville.  In his free time, Bill enjoyed spending time with his family, and in more recent years, coloring pictures for family and friends.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda K. Hablawetz of Hicksville, Ohio; three children, James (Pam) Hablawetz, Jr. of Hicksville, Ohio, DeEtta (Greg) Pepple of Edgerton, Ohio, and Arlene (Rob) Carwile of Hicksville, Ohio; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Treva Fieghtner of Auburn, Indiana.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation for James W. "Bill" Hablawetz will be held on Friday, April 22, 2022 from 3:00 – 6:30 P.M. at Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 706 North Main Street, Hicksville, Ohio, where the Rosary will be recited at 6:30 P.M.  Funeral Mass for Bill will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, April 23, 2022, in St. Michael Catholic Church, Hicksville, with Father Daniel Borgelt officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Home Cemetery, Hicksville, where Military Graveside Rites will be conducted by Hicksville American Legion Post 223.

Memorial contributions can be directed to the Patient Activity Fund at Antwerp Manor Assisted Living, 204 Archer Drive, Antwerp, Ohio 45813.