Dale Gene Halvorson

Dale Gene Halvorson, 86, passed away peacefully under the care of Hospice House of Mid-Michigan on August, 3, 2024, in Lansing, MI. Born on March 25, 1938, in Esmond, North Dakota, Dale was a cherished member of his community and a devoted family man. He was known for his humor and his love of family and friends.

Dale’s life was marked by his commitment to his family, faith, and community. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mavis Streifel Halvorson; his children, Melissa (Dan) Halvorson Smith of Westphalia, MI, and Brian (Rita Thompson) Halvorson of Grand Forks, ND; and his grandchildren Noah, Sarah, Joshua, and Samantha Smith. Also surviving Dale is his sister-in-law Judy (Kent) Halvorson King, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Geno Burdell Halvorson and Ada Cecilia (Pearson) Halvorson; parents-in-law Nicholas and Catherine (Grossman) Streifel; his grandparents AJ and Mathilda (Moen) Halvorson and Andrew and Cecilia (Hofstrand) Pearson; his brother, Kent and Larry Halvorson; sister-in-law Fran Halvorson, nephew Jerry Halvorson, and special uncles and aunts Clifford and Esther (Pearson) Larson, Eilert and Minnie (Pearson) Hermanson, and Lawton and Evelyn (Halvorson) Miller as well as many uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Dale’s educational journey began at Isabel #23 School, near his childhood home, and continued through Baker, Esmond, and Maddock B.C.A.T.S. High School in North Dakota. He furthered his education at Dakota Business College in Fargo, ND, where he studied accounting and business administration. This foundation paved the way for a diverse career that included roles at the Buick Olds and Pontiac assembly plant in South Gate, California, Hulstrand Construction in Lakota, ND, Bridgeman Creamery in Grand Forks, ND, and the Benson County Highway Department in Minnewaukan, ND, where he served as bookkeeper and Highway Superintendent. He was employed at the Benson County Farmers Press and continued to read it weekly as it was a highlight for Dale to keep up with the news at home. Dale also owned several businesses, including Minnewaukan Excavating, Waukan Inn, and Minnewaukan Motors, and later worked as a custodian at the Benson County Courthouse. He and Mavis retired and moved to Williamston, Michigan to help raise their four grandchildren. Dale spent innumerable hours reading to his grandchildren and spending time with them outdoors. They called him “Gaga” and a highlight was Dale teaching them how to cook. Dale and Mavis later settled in DeWitt, Michigan.

A man of deep faith, Dale was an active member of Isabel Immanuel Lutheran Church in rural Esmond, ND, St. Peter Lutheran Church in Minnewaukan, ND, and Faith Lutheran Church in Okemos, MI. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, evident in his commitment to church activities and community service. Of note, he was Mayor of Minnewaukan and was instrumental in the city paving project. He and Mavis hosted a number of community events and participated in many activities and committees.

Dale’s hobbies included woodworking, where he crafted numerous projects, including his own urn, a handmade wooden truck. He had a passion for automobiles, tractors, reading-particularly autobiographies and World War II history-and puzzles. Dale took great joy in spending time with his grandchildren and was known for his sense of humor and love of history.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on Thursday, August 8 from 4- 7 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 4515 Dobie Road in Okemos to honor Dale’s rich life and legacy. The Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home in DeWitt, MI, is assisting the family during this time.

Dale’s life was a testament to his strong values, love for his family, and dedication to his community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him