Dr. John R. "Jack" Halseth

Dr. John R. "Jack" Halseth, 87, of Great Falls, a World War II veteran and local physician who specialized in sports medicine died of complications from Alzheimer's disease Jan. 16 at Highgate Senior Living in Billings
His funeral is 11 a.m. Feb. 5 at Faith Lutheran Church, with burial in Highland Cemetery. Croxford Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his children, Pamela Cole of Whitefish, Thor (Karla) Halseth of Agoura, Calif., and Eric (Vicki) Halseth of Billings; and six grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (Hall) Halseth.
Jack was born Nov. 2, 1923, in Great Falls to parents Hans and Verna Halseth. He grew up in Great Falls, working on the railroad during summer vacations and school breaks. He played football at Great Falls High School, and it was there that he met the love of his life, Barbara Hall, who was a cheerleader. Jack attended the College of Great Falls, where he began his premedical school studies until World War II interfered. He was soon in the U.S. infantry as a combat medic. While carrying the wounded off the battlefield, his group was hit by a mortar shell, and, tragically, all of his comrades were killed. Still, he continued to serve as a medic with a group called Roger's Rangers, whose mission was to go behind enemy lines. With a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and Good Conduct Medal for his efforts, Jack returned home to marry Barbara and to continue with his premed studies at the University of Montana.
He and Barbara moved to Wisconsin so John could attend Marquette School of Medicine. Upon graduation, they moved on to Saint Luke's Hospital in Denver, where he finished his residency, specializing in pediatrics. In 1955, he and Barbara, along with their three children, returned to Great Falls to begin his practice with the Great Falls Clinic. During that time, he volunteered as a team physician for numerous high school athletic events. He also acted as medical adviser for local and professional rodeo, and for amateur and professional boxing in Montana. He served as the athletic commissioner for the state of Montana, as well as being a participating member of the Great Falls school board. He was instrumental in the implementation of the special education program in the Great Falls school system.
In the early 1980s, Jack partnered with Dr. John Curtis to proudly open the first sports medicine clinic in Montana. It was solely dedicated to the training and treatment of athletes, some of whom went on to compete in the Olympics. He retired after 40 years of service. He was president of the Montana Medical Association, and represented Montana physicians as a national delegate to the American Medical Association (AMA). He served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1972. He was especially grateful for the opportunity to participate as an associate professor to the University of Washington in the origination of the WAMI program, enabling many Montana students to attend medical school. A great joy in his life was riding in the Great Montana Centennial Cattle Drive of '89. He and Barbara enjoyed a lifelong membership to Faith Lutheran Church.
Jack also was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marilyn Bergan (Bob).
Dad, we will forever cherish the many memories of camping on the Smith River and sailing on Flathead Lake with your sardine sandwiches. You shaped our lives with your strength, loyalty, integrity and dedication to serving others; you are our hero. Doctor by trade, fisherman by heart, cowboy to the core, our dad forever. We love you.
A spirited Norwegian has gone home to sail the seas of heaven.
Condolences may be posted online at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.