HALVORSON, Sally Katherine (Zajichek) 1953-2018

HALVORSON, ZAJICHEK

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/25/2024 at 10:15:39

December 27, 1953 - July 2, 2018

ST. ANSGAR - Sally Katherine Zajichek Halvorson (64) passed away peacefully in Osage, Iowa, on July 2, 2018 after a three year battle against ovarian cancer. Memorial service will be on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Ansgar United Methodist Church in St. Ansgar with Rev. Dr. Rhoda Preston officiating.

Sally spent her time being active and making the most of each day. She did that by loving her family, friends and the community, which was anywhere her friends and family were at the time. She will be remembered as someone who always had a smile on her face and a positive outlook on life.

She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Zajichek; and is survived by her two daughters, Megan (Luke) Porisch of St. Ansgar, Iowa, Erin (Seth) Tjaden of Huxley, Iowa, six beloved grandchildren: Amelia, Paulina, Camden, Samuel, Evelyn and Chase, mother Betty Zajichek and siblings Peggy (Lawrence) Hansen, Daniel (Michelle) Zajichek, Susan (Richard Minner) Zajichek; and by nine nieces and nephews.

Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sally also spent her childhood in North Carolina and Davenport, Iowa. During this time, she excelled at most sports, especially golf and softball. After graduating from Davenport Central High School, Sally attended and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Iowa State University in Ames, even receiving Freshman of the Year honors in her chosen major, and was a member of the ZTA Sorority. She loved the Cyclones and enjoyed teasing her Hawkeye friends during any Iowa vs. Iowa State matchup.

Upon graduation she arrived in St. Ansgar, Iowa where she lived out the rest of her life teaching, coaching, advocating for girls athletics and many community projects and groups. Sally had an entrepreneurial spirit and even found herself running a golf and antique shop, the St. Ansgar Depot, and in later years as a creator and mentor of the local high school student group Big RED. Throughout her life she enjoyed many trips to the Iowa Games, RAGBRAI, softball leagues, golf tournaments, racquetball at the Y, officiating volleyball, instructing fitness classes, traveling with friends, fellowship at the Methodist Church and spending time at the family cabin on the Cedar River. St. Ansgar is also where she raised her two daughters whom she supported in all endeavors, especially her grandchildren who will affectionately remember and know her as Babi.

Sally was grateful for her strong network of friends and caregivers, not only in recent months, but throughout her lifetime. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Sally Halvorson Memorial Fund, c/o Megan Porisch, St. Ansgar State Bank, P.O. Box 219, St. Ansgar, IA, 50472. Funds will be directed to the St. Ansgar High School Softball Field Project and the Saints Legacy Fund.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, 641-713-4920, www.schroederandsites.com

SOURCE: Mason City Globe Gazette, 8 July 2018
Also see: Mason City Globe Gazette, 17 July 2018