Merle Norman Halvorson

merle halvorson
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.     Cemetery: 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: 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. Service: 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.

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  1. Dear Joan and family,
    I am so sorry to hear about Merle. He will be missed by a lot of people.
    take care,
    Lori

  2. Hi Shelly:

    I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. They are very special to us. I hope all your special memories of your Dad help to comfort and give you peace iin all the days ahead. My sympathy goes out to you and your family.

    Julie Hansen, Atlantic

  3. Joan and family, You guys have my sincere sympathies in your loss of “Pa”. I will miss visiting with him whenever I would see him. He is a very special part of me and always will be. Take care of yourselves and each other. Friends always, Sandra

  4. Joan and family, so sorry to hear about Merle. We will all surely miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. friends always, Leo and family

  5. Joan and kids,
    We are truely sorry to hear about Merle. I will miss him alot, he’s such a wonderful person and loved by all of us.
    May gods love get you thruogh.
    Love jo and denny

  6. Just passing on our sympathies to everyone in the family. Merle was a wonderful man and loved by everyone.

  7. Bruce and all. My sincere sympathy on the loss of your father. May your good memories of him help you during this difficult time.

  8. Dear Joan and family
    We were deeply saddened to read of Merle’s passing. Merle was a wonderful man and a very dedicated citizen. Through his loving devotion to you, the kids and to all of us, he helped make this world a better place. I can still hear his laugh, and cherish the many mornings that I would hear him talking and laughing with my dad when he stopped for a cup of coffee. You and your family are in our heartfelt prayers. Love Roxanne & Norb

  9. Our deepest sympathy, Merle really loved life, and I am sure you will miss him…..But I am sure he will keep them busy in Heaven, just trying to stay ahead of him…….

    God Bless You…
    Keith & Avis

  10. Dear Joan and family.

    It was with great sadness to hear about Merle. You are in my prayers.

    Debra Lahr

  11. Joan and family,

    We are so sorry to hear about Merle. I know he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  12. Dear “Mrs H.”, Gary and all your family…I just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you at this time of your great loss. I will never forget Merle… he always had a smile and a happy word for everyone he met… he always made me feel welcome when I saw him. I will always remember the first time I met him and how he was so fascinated by how many rings I was wearing! It is one of many fun memories I have of my life in Iowa. I miss him and all of you. I think of you often and will continue to do so. Love and thoughts.. Pat xoxo

  13. Merle will be missed by many. I am thankful, and feel blessed to have gone through those teenage years with one of my best friend’s dad as cool as Merle.
    When you walked into there home, you knew right away that you were going to be treated as if you were part of the family. He was ready to share what ever he had with you, and made you feel welcome, as if he was just waiting for you to arrive. That’s just the way he was.
    I look forward to the day we will all meet again one day in heaven.


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