HALVORSON, Donal Richard 1922-2010

HALVORSON, SHEEHAN, RASMUSSEN

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 10/1/2010 at 11:19:33

#1:

Donal Richard Halvorson, 88

ST. ANSGAR, IOWA - Donal Richard Halvorson, 88, of St. Ansgar, well-known banker and descendant of three pioneer families died Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at the Good Samaritan Society Center, St. Ansgar.

Donal was born on October 4, 1922, in Osage, Iowa and was the son of Albert and Gertrude (Sheehan) Halvorson. His ancestors came to this area from Norway and Ireland, namely John Halvorson, Ingeborg Nelson, and Daniel Sheehan. He was confirmed into the Methodist Church, St. Ansgar, Iowa. Donal graduated from St. Ansgar High School, class of 1940, where he was a talented athlete. He appreciated the quote from Harry S. Truman, “The C students run the world.” He attended and played basketball for Iowa State University, Stout University and Gustavus Adolphus College. He was enlisted with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corp while attending these schools.

His marriage to Elizabeth Rasmussen of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, took place August 27, 1944, in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, the chapel of the Methodist Church. After serving with the U.S. Navy during World War II, he and his wife returned to St. Ansgar. In 1946, he joined the staff of the St. Ansgar Citizens State Bank where his father, Albert, was president. Both his father and uncle, Henry Halvorson, had previously been employed with Clear Lake, Iowa banks.

Donal served as an officer, director and president of the St. Ansgar State Bank for 64 years. He also served as a Director for the Iowa Independent Bankers Association, as well as a director of L.R. Falk Construction Co. He was a 63 year member of the American Legion. Donal left his mark on the community of St. Ansgar. He lived by the slogan “Do for St. Ansgar.” He was exceedingly proud to be called a Saint, and was instrumental in supporting St. Ansgar in hundreds of ways, from softball lights to a new medical clinic, to scholarships for local graduates, to helping friends in any way he could.

Donal is survived by daughter, Cathleen (Jack) Carruthers of Ft. Myers, Florida; son, Timothy Donal (Sally) who is a third-generation banker in the St. Ansgar State Bank; sister, Laura (Edward) Jobe of Indian Wells, California; four grandchildren: Melissa (Chris) Tomasso of Sarasota, Florida; J.D. (Tricia) Woolm of Orlando, Florida; Megan (Luke) Porisch of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Erin (Seth) Tjaden of Colorado Springs, Colorado; plus several nieces and nephews. He was thrilled and proud to boast of six great-grandchildren: Jared and Malia Tomasson, Amelia and Paulina Porisch, Kellen and Eva Woolm all of whom he “teased with delight” and a twinkle in his eye.

Along with his parents, Donal was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth; a brother, John Albert; and sister, Louise Tellefson.

He will be terribly missed by his loving family and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the “St. Ansgar Angel Foundation,” which enriches the educational experience for the students of the St. Ansgar Community School District. You may send your donation to PO Box 4, St. Ansgar, IA 50472

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at St. Ansgar United Methodist Church with Rev. Peter Chang officiating. Burial will be in St. Ansgar Cemetery.

[Austin Daily Herald online, Oct. 1, 2010]

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#2:

Photo from 1940 Senior class portrait collection in St. Ansgar Museum.

Mitchell Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen