John Olaus Halvorson, age 84, of Alexandria, MN died December 24, 2018 at Comforts of Home in Hudson, WI. John was born February 18, 1934 in Brooten, MN to Wallace and Ethel (Larson) Halvorson. He was raised in rural Brooten and Iowa and graduated from Brooten High School in 1952. John married Dorothy Robbins on May 24th, 1956, and raised a family in Belgrade, Benson, Norwood, Plainview, and Alexandria MN. He was a long time employee of United Telephone Company (later Sprint). After Dorothy’s death, John married Mary (Watson) Chapek on June 27th, 2004 and split his time between Alexandria and Yuma AZ. He was a member of the Masons of Minnesota, Constellation Lodge #81, and the Alexandria Shriners Club and Calliope and 4-Wheelers. John is preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Ethel, his first wife, Dorothy, daughter Leslie, brother David, sister Charlene, and second wife, Mary. John was proud of his Norwegian heritage and loved Scandinavian treats, especially lefse and his mom’s homemade donuts. A natural athlete, he excelled in high school sports and was a star baseball player in the Corn Belt League of West Central Minnesota. He once hit a hole-in-one playing golf. He loved his family, driving Buicks, baseball, watching John Wayne movies, and listening to the music of Johnny Cash and Buck Owens. He was a member of Alexandria United Methodist Church. He is survived by daughters Kathy (Jim) Golden, Susan (Pete) Jarosak, and Dee Ann (Doyle) Fetterer. Grandchildren, Berit (Ferran), David Zachary, William, Benjamin, Lukas, Bryan, and Myles. Four brothers, Peter, Paul, Robert, and William, and two sisters Kay and Audrey. Also survived by the three sons of his wife Mary — Greg, Matthew, and David Chapek and their families. A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Memorials in John’s name can be made to the Lakes Area Humane Society, 3811 Nevada St. SW, Alexandria, MN. 56308. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral and Cremation Services.
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2 Comments
So sorry to read of John’s passing in the Brooten paper. I am the youngest cousin and son of Rodney Halverson. It is unfortunate that we don’t see one another much. So many stories lost but I do remember that his dad, Wallace, bought me my first shotgun and took me hunting. He felt bad that I was being raised by a bunch of women when my dad died. I also remember visits by Wallace over the years to my mom, Leona. I remain somewhat confused by the E & O business in our last name. Would enjoy hearing what you know. Please let us know when the celebration of life is scheduled.
I hope fond memories of John comfort you at this time.
I didn’t know john but did here about him from my grandpa whos dad was Wallace’s brother in Montana. Sorry for your loss
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