Alfred Halvorson

Alfred Sylvan Halvorson died on June 2, 2016, at the Douglas County Hospital. He was born on June 7, 1921, to Ottea (Lund) and Syverind Halvorson in Hoff Township, Pope County. He was baptized and confirmed at West Zion Lutheran Church. He attended rural grade school, graduating in 1939 from Kensington High School where he played basketball and baseball. He was the last surviving member of the class for the past two years. Alfred was united in marriage with Evelyn Weisel on May 23, 1947. They were blessed with three children: Ruth, Jeffrey and Paula.

During the war years, with both of his brothers in the military, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and was based at logging camps near Ely, Minnesota.
Upon his return to the Farwell area where his parents farmed, Alfred started a livestock trucking business along with gravel hauling, road grading and snowplowing, which he continued until June, 1966, when he sold the business and began operating heavy equipment for a road construction company. He then operated an auto body shop in Farwell, specializing in collision work and restoring classic and antique cars. He belonged to an antique car club for several years in the 1970's and 80's, driving his restored 1936 Hudson Terraplane in parades and participating in antique auto shows. He greatly enjoyed restoring two additional antique cars and a classic Triumph with his teenage son, Jeff.

Alfred was active in Farwell Lutheran Church, holding several offices on the church council over the years. He was a Farwell Cemetery Association Board member until his death, and served his community as Farwell constable for several years as well as holding various offices on the Farwell City Council. He was a leader in obtaining government grant assistance to establish a sewer system in Kensington and Farwell. He enjoyed many interests including fishing, hunting, playing cards and especially making music. Known for his ability to play almost any musical instrument by ear, he loved playing old time waltzes and polkas on his accordion, and rigged up a harmonica holder so he could play both at one time. He was a devoted family man, and his greatest joy was spending time with his wife and their children and grandchildren in Iowa, California and at home. He greatly enjoyed visiting with his many long-time friends in the Farwell area, and in spite of some short term memory issues in recent years, he maintained his quick wit, making jokes until his last few days.

Alfred was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, in February, 2015, daughter Paula in July, 2004, son-in-law Aaron Eastling in July, 2010, parents and siblings. He is survived by his son Jeffrey (wife Allison Kinney), daughter Ruth (fiancé Craig Schlangen), grandchildren Lakija Eastling Mostyn (husband Todd), Djata Grant, Syverind Halvorson (wife Jill), Leif Halvorson (wife Mary Kate), great-granddaughter Julia Eastling, several step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Oscar Lake Church on Saturday, June 25, at 10:30 AM. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.

www.andersonfuneral.net.