HALVORSON, Merle N. 1927-2008
HALVORSON, JOHNSON, EHLER, GRAY, REICKS, CARROLL
Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 6/9/2014 at 23:54:29
Merle N. Halvorson, Age 81, of New Hampton, IA died Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at his home.
Merle Norman Halvorson was born on February 20, 1927 to Nels and Marie (Johnson) Halvorson in Jacksonville Township near Lawler, IA. He went to country school in north Jerico for eight years and graduated from New Hampton High School in 1944. After graduation Merle helped out on the family farm and entered into the US Army on September 14, 1950 serving his country during the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant on August 30, 1952. After his discharge from the army he worked as a carpenter, factory worker and feed salesman.
On November 6, 1954 Merle was united in marriage to Joan Marie Ehler at St. Patricks Catholic Church in Dubuque, IA. Merle and Joan lived near Jerico for more than 47 years. He worked 27 years for the Chickasaw County Conservation Department, the final 13 years as Executive Director. After retiring in 1989, Merle was a Chickasaw County Conservation board member for four years. Merle took great pride in assuring that the public would have access to well-maintained parks in Chickasaw County.
Merle enjoyed fishing, playing cards, golf, spending time with family and friends. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church and a lifetime member of VFW Post 4069 of Alta Vista.
Merle is survived by his wife Joan; six sons Gary (Pat) Halvorson of Alta Vista, IA, Ed (Lorna) Halvorson of Elkhart, IN, Jeff Halvorson of New Hampton, IA, Paul Halvorson of New Hampton, IA, Pete (Leanne) Halvorson of Fairfax, IA, Bruce (Julie) Halvorson of New Hampton, IA; two daughters Shelly (Wayne) Gray of New Hampton, IA and Sandy (Dean) Reicks of Lawler, IA; brother Alger Pud Halvorson; brother-in-law Don Carroll; 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister Arldine Carroll; brother James Halverson; and sister-in-law Thelma Halverson.
Burial will be in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery at Lourdes, IA with Jacob Halvorson, Justin Halvorson, Nick Huber, Luke Huber, Louis Reicks and Jordan Gray serving as casket bearers. Military rites with the Alta Vista VFW Post #4069.
Visitation will be from 3:00-8:00pm on Sunday, June 22, 2008 at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in New Hampton with a rosary at 4:30pm and visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30AM on Monday, June 23, 2008 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, in Lourdes with Msgr. John Hemann celebrating mass. Organist will be Jane Karels. The St. Bernards Mens Choir and the IC Mens Choir of North Washington will sing Just A Closer Walk With Thee, The Old Rugged Cross, The Strife is Ore the Battle is Done, Its Not the First Mileand On Eagles Wings.
[Source: Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home]
Chickasaw Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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