Harry Halstead

Harry M. Halstead was born on July 15, 1920 in Alexandria, MN, the son of Austin and Nellie (Carlson) Halstead. He was raised in Alexandria where he graduated from Central High School. Following his schooling he worked for about two years in the Civilian Conservation Corp near Lewiston and Rushford, MN. Throughout World War II Harry served his country as a member of the Merchant Marine. He Served in the Mediterranean, North Atlantic and South Pacific. Harry worked on several Liberty ships as a radio operator. Harry was proud of his service to the United States. After the war he lived in California for about one year before settling back in Alexandria. For eight years he worked for Minnesota Consolidated Breeders where he worked with milk cows. In 1957 he went to work for Bellanca Aircraft in Alexandria. He worked for a short time as a welder before becoming their parts manager. Harry retired from Bellanca in the late 1980?s. On November 6, 1949 Harry was united in marriage to Harriet Krueger. The couple was blessed with three children, Gary, Richard and Thomas. In 1966 Harry and Harriet began operating the Forada Beach Resort on Maple Lake, along with a grain farm at the north end of Maple Lake. Following Harriet?s death in 1980 Harry was married to Fern Dodge on December 30, 1982. Harry always had an interest in aviation and learned to fly. He had been active in the Civil Air Patrol. Fern and Harry enjoyed traveling; they traveled to many places including Alaska and Europe. Harry loved spending time on horseback. He was a member of a saddle club. He owned several horses and at age 85 he still enjoyed riding. Mostly Harry just enjoyed socializing and spending time with friends and visitors to Maple Lake. Harry was a longtime member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Alexandria. He served as a 4-H leader and served on the Forada City Council. He also served his community as a member of the Forada Fire Department. Harry was a member of American Legion Post 87. On Wednesday, September 3, 2008 Harry died at the age of eighty-eight years. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Harriet Halstead; his son, Thomas Halstead; one brother, William Halstead; and four sisters, Irene Halstead, Beatrice Wohlers, AdaBelle Klein and RLou Olson. Harry is survived by his wife Fern Halstead of Alexandria; two sons, Richard Halstead of Forada, and Gary and wife, Norma Halstead, of Sioux Falls, SD; eight grandchildren, Jason Halstead, Eric Halstead, Tena Sinchak, Corey Halstead, CPT Craig Halstead, Jenna Halstead, Kelsey Halstead and Joseph Halstead; six great grandchildren, Jacob Sinchak, Elizabeth Sinchak, Nathan Halstead, Mayble DeVine, Kendra Halstead and Julia Halstead; two sisters, JoAnn and husband, Edmund Motzko, of Sauk Center, MN and LaNelle and husband, Arnold Brackmans, of California; step-brother, Rev. Stanley and wife, Porcia Johnson, of Owatonna, MN; step-sister, Lucille Miller, of Minneapolis, MN; sister-in-law, Irma Halstead of Alexandria; daughter-in-law, Mary Halstead of Alexandria; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held on Monday, September 8, 2008 at Emmanuel Episcopal church. Rev. Kathryn Jeffrey and Rev. Tom Sinning officiated. Nancy Anderson provided music. Interment followed in the Hudson Cemetery. Casket bearers included all of Harry?s grandchildren. Honorary casket bearers included all of Harry?s nieces, nephews and friends from Forada and Maple Lake. Military honors were accorded By American Legion Post 87 and VFW Post 936. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.