Delaine Halberg 07/06/2026

I never knew  the little girl born in Odell, Nebraska on November 12th of 1935, but I imagine that the girl embodied many of the enduring qualities I knew in my grandmother: kind, intelligent, and at times mischievous. Delaine “Dee” Jeanette Halberg, born Delaine Proett, spent much of her childhood moving between towns. Her father, Herman Proett, was a Methodist minister for the Iowa Conference, so Dee’s family moved with her father’s ministry to congregations in Diller, Colo, Glidden, Sioux Rapids, and Gladbrook.

When Dee met Laurie Halberg, a charming brush with fate was assured. After a brief introduction, their letters to each other crossed in the mail. Dee and Laurie married in 1957, and eventually settled  in  St. Cloud, Minnesota where they raised three children: Scott, Michele, and Jeffery. Dee and Laurie were married for 69 years.

Dee was not only a mother, but also a scholar. Having received a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Iowa, she spent a few years teaching in Humboldt, Iowa. She later returned to school at St. Cloud State University where she received a master’s degree in human relations. Dee became an administrator at the Office of Continuing Education at SCSU, served on the St. Cloud school board, and was an active member of the League of Women Voters. Those who remember working with Dee testify to her intelligence and sense of humor.

Faith deeply informed Dee’s life, filling her years with compassion and piety. She attended the St. Cloud Methodist Church for 34 years, then became an active member of Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis after her retirement to Hudson, Wisconsin. Dee dedicated much of her time to religious inquiry, reading scholarly religious works well into her 80’s. Eventually Dee transferred her church membership to a more local church in River Falls, Spirit of Grace Methodist Church.

Dee doted upon her grandchildren. She baked our favorite treats and not just for her own sweet tooth. She sat near us during church to listen to us sing hymns and attended our musical performances. She watched us achieve, stumble, and grow. Her love was an example and a blessing to all of us.

Dee’s later years were a challenge as she faced aphasia and memory loss. Though we lost her words, we never lost her tinkling laugh. She passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026 surrounded by loved ones.

Her death is preceded by her parents, Herman and Mildred Proett, as well as her brother William Proett and her grandson Mitchel Halberg. She is survived by her husband, Laurie Halberg, and her sister-in-law, Josephine Proett. She is also survived by her three children: Scott Halberg and his wife Jill, Michele Malotky and her husband Daniel, and Jeffery Halberg and his wife Jennifer; and by her grandchildren: Martin Malotky, Simon Malotky and his wife Jennifer, and Lance Halberg. The memorial service will be at a date yet to be determined. Please feel free add inquiries or memories in the space provided below.

With love from the Family.