Harry Halverson

Harry Halverson, age 91, of Ridgeway, Iowa, died on Saturday, January 17, 2009, at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, Iowa, following a long illness. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2009, at the Madison Lutheran Church with Rev. Phil and Ginny Olson officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah, and after 1:00 p.m. at the church on Tuesday afternoon. There will be a VFW Memorial service at the funeral home at 6:00 p.m. on Monday evening. Harry Clifton Groth Halverson was born on January 25, 1917, the son of Jens and Jesse (Groth) Halverson in Scandia, Minnesota. Harry received his elementary education while living in Minnesota and went to High School in Wadena, IA. Harry served in the US Army during World War II from April 1941 to September 1945, serving three and half years overseas. Harry was proud of his military service and spoke to many students at area high schools and Luther College regarding World War II. Harry married Orabelle Statia Hovden on December 1, 1946 at the Madison Lutheran Church, and to this union, five children were born. He served as a Deputy Sheriff for Winneshiek County from 1946-49. Harry operated the Winneshiek Coop Sales Commission for thirty years and had been with the Decorah Sales Commission for many years after that. Harry married Ellen Headington on July 18, 1970 at the First United Methodist Church in Decorah and added two more sons to the family. Harry retired from auctioneering cattle and sales, after thirty five years. Harry was a member of the Madison Lutheran Church, where he served as past president of the church council and council member. He was a member and past Commander of Helof Holm VFW Chapter #1977; served on the Winneshiek County Fair Board for 25 years; and served on the Board at the Aase Haugen Nursing Home. Harry enjoyed fishing up North, reunions with his military friends and he especially loved being with his family and grandchildren. Harry’s survivors include his wife: Ellen Halverson, Ridgeway, IA. One daughter: Janice (John) Grafenberg, West Union, IA. Six sons: Larry (Bonnie) Halverson, Waukesha, WI; Robert (Joyce) Halverson, Ridgeway, IA; Roger (Becky) Halverson, Cresco, IA; Lyle (friend, Joyce Scharnweber) Cresco, IA; Jeff Halverson, Waterloo, IA; Keith (Tina) Halverson, Waverly, IA; as well as seventeen grandchildren and three great grandchildren. His mother-in-law: Evelyn Headington, Decorah, IA. Four sisters-in-law: Betty Halverson, Ridgeway, IA; Inga Halverson, Lake City, MN; Joann Gardner, Ossian, IA; and Joyce (Wayne) Seagren, Indianapolis, IN. Two brothers-in-law: Bill (Brenda) Headington, Decorah, IA; Jerry (Diane) Headington, Cedar Falls, IA and, along with many nieces and nephews. Harry was preceded in death by his parents: Jens and Jesse (Groth) Halverson. His first wife: Orabelle on Oct. 1, 1966. One grandson: Nathan Halverson in 1993. Two brothers: Duane Halverson in 1962 and Sid Halverson in 1986. Two brothers-in-law: Chuck Gardner and Lester Hovden.