Dennis Halverson

Dennis Vernel Halverson was born on June 6, 1946, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Verner and Ellen (Giese) Halverson. He was baptized and confirmed at Salem Covenant Church of rural Pennock, Minnesota, and grew up on the Halverson family farm south of Kerkhoven until moving to town in 1963. He was graduated from Kerkhoven High School in 1964 and atteneded Willmar State Community College in Willmar, Minnesota, until his four-year enlistment into the U.S. Army.
Dennis was united in marriage to Kathryn Beck of Pennock on November 23, 1969, while serving overseas in West Germany. Upon their return to the states, they purchased lakeshore property on Lake Edna near Nisswa, Minnesota, where Dennis built their log home. This marriage was blessed with the birth of a son, Jon, on January 24, 1974. On May 15, 1979, Dennis married Ramona Seljak-Anderson of Minneapolis, and to this union, two children were bornJesse on February 21, 1980, and Ginger on January 20, 1986.

Dennis was a very intelligent, multi-talented individual. At an early age, Dennis loved the outdoors and adventure. There are many stories to tell of his motorized bike and go-cart inventions that made for hours of fun, laughter, and occasional steering or braking mishaps that led to a wild ride through the evergreens resulting in a few cuts and bruises. As a lad he took pride in his 4-H dairy cow and trip to the state fair. Dennis was also the musician of the family. He and his cousin, Jim, took accordion lessons and played at various events. He organized his own old-time and rock n roll bands. There wasnt an instrument he couldnt play. He especially loved the guitar and old-time music. Dennis was a self-taught mechanic and welder. He restored old vehicles and equipment. His service to his country included a tour of duty to Germany and a deployment to Vietnam. He returned home as one of our countrys many disabled Vietnam War Vets. Dennis was an avid hunter, trapper, and fisherman. At times family members never knew what was frying in the ole cast-iron skillet. In addition, he was a very talented artist. Dennis artistic pencil drawings, water colorings, and oil paintings were remarkable. He also loved sitting at the potters wheel creating various pieces of pottery. In addition to designing, building, plumbing, and wiring his own home, he loved boating, camping, ricing, and gardening. His interests also led him into becoming a ham radio operator. This list continues as we all well know. What a legacy he leaves to his children.

Most recently, Dennis enjoyed his horses; his dog, Ruckus; and his trips to the hunting cabin which he built near his sisters home by Brooten. And, of course, he loved and waited for visits from his children and grandchildren who affectionately called him Opa.

Dennis entered his earthly home and heavenly home on the same day, June 6th. At the age of 61, after a nine-month battle with cancer, Dennis died on the way home from his hunting cabinaccompanied by his son, Jesse, and sister, Tudi. He is survived by sons, Jon (and Carmen) of Des Plaines, Illinois; Jesse (and Jessica) of Little Falls, Minnesota; daughter, Ginger, of Windsor, Missouri; grandchildren, Matthew, Emma, and Ashton; three brothers, Donovan (and Juanita) of Kerkhoven; Darnell (and Mary) of Arlington; Dale (and Loree) of Casselton, ND; and his sister, Charlene (Tudi) Paulson of Brooten; nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his mother in 1966, his father in 1984, and his brother-in-law, Wayne Paulson, in 1985. God bless the memory of Dennis Halverson.

Memorial Services for Dennis will be 12 PM, Saturday, June 16, 2007 at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter. There will be a gathering of friends and family beginning at 11 AM. Please visit www.brenny.com to send a message of comfort to Dennis' family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel of Peqout Lakes, MN.