Richard W. Halverson

Halverson, Richard W. Richard W. Halverson passed away on September 9, 2006 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital where he was being treated for emphysema. Richard was born June 29, 1931 to Gilbert William Halverson and Gladys Isabel Halverson (Phillips); he was seventy-five years old at the time of his death. He grew up in Granite Falls, attending Granite Falls High School and then continued his education, taking an English major at the University of Minnesota. Richard was at the time of his death retired from Kennedy High School in Bloomington, Minnesota since 1992, where he taught English as a second language for most of his teaching career. Earlier he had taught English for a few years at Leroy and Alexandria, Minnesota. Richard served in the U.S. military from 1954 until 1956. After his discharge from the army he resumed his teaching career. After leaving Alexandria, he was awarded a Fulbright grant to teach in junior and senior high schools and universities in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. The grants were renewed consecutively from year to year recognizing his exceptional ability in teaching English as a foreign language. He lived independently while in these countries becoming adept in the Japanese language and immersed himself in the cultures of the Orient. His interests extended to a profound interest also in literature and art, both American and Oriental. His innate generosity was in evidence during his lifetime as he continued to support several students from the countries in which he taught with their own educational pursuits. He also gave frequent gifts of money to various individuals and institutions, including the Granite Falls library shortly before his death. He also presented a unique statue of a Japanese warrior that will soon be on display at the library in Granite Falls. In later life, disliking the bitter Minnesota winters, Richard spent several months during each year in various Mexican resorts, his favorite being Acapulco. He also traveled repeatedly to Europe and Japan during the winter season. Summers he was content to spend in Bloomington enjoying the Japanese garden he had created in the backyard of his spacious home. Richard shared his home with a friend, Hitoshi Obi, whom he met while teaching in Japan. Their like interests cemented a friendship that lasted until the time of his death. Family members surviving him are brother, Jon and wife Sue; sister, Barbara (Jim Wright); nephew, Adam Halverson and niece, Molly (Sam) Auseth; great-nephew, Dylan Auseth and great-niece, Olivia Auseth. He is also survived by a foster child, Dr. Jennifer Choi, who now resides in Melville, NY. His memory will be cherished by the many friends and acquaintances that he made during a long and productive lifetime, all who enjoyed his quick wit and multiple good graces over many years. He will be buried at Hillcrest Cemetery in Granite Falls. A Life Celebration and luncheon is being held for family and friends at the Hotel Sofitel, 5601 West 78th St., Bloomington, MN on Friday, September 22, 2006 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Cremation Society of MN Edina 952-924-4100
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.