Edward Halls

1932 - 2025

Duluth - It is with deep sadness that the family of Edward Donald Halls, 93, of Duluth, MN, announce his passing on October 30, 2025 at Benedictine Living Center, Northfield, MN.

Edward was born on October 17, 1932, in Pope County, Minnesota, to Oliver and Emma Halls. He grew up on the Halls family farm in Brooten, MN, alongside his siblings Violet, Linda, Allan, and Ruby.

Ed was a proud lifelong member of the U.S. military. Ed enlisted in the U.S. Army after High School, where he served from1955 to 1957 in Heidelberg, Germany. Ed continued his commitment to the military through the Minnesota Air National Guard, where he served as an Environmental Health Officer for 17 years. In 1991, he served in the Gulf War at Langley AFB in Norfolk, VA for 3 weeks. Ed received a Meritorious Service Medal Award and reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring in 1994.

In 1966, Ed earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of MN, and in 1962, he married Clara Mae Dickens, a partnership that spanned 63 years. They raised two sons, Erik and Joel, while Ed worked to build his veterinary career. He began his practice in Granite Falls, MN, before moving to Winsted, MN, and later to Duluth, where he in time took over ownership of the Miller Trunk Veterinary Clinic and served the community for 37 yrs. His service included being on call for the Duluth Zoo. After retirement he taught Human Anatomy at the UMD for several years. Late in retirement Ed and Clara moved to Gramercy Park Co-op where they lived for 10 years.

Beyond his professional career, Ed was deeply involved in his community and passionate about volunteerism. Known for his kindness, generosity, and commitment to service, he was a beloved neighbor and friend to all who knew him. Throughout his life, Ed volunteered countless hours to his Church, Grace Lutheran in Hermantown, and a wide range of causes including the American Red Cross Disaster Response Team (served for 3 weeks after the 9/11 disaster in New York), DAV (driving veterans to appointments), Memorial Blood Center, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Duluth Soup Kitchen, Christian Veterinary Mission Trips to places like Haiti, Honduras, and New Mexico. He received several awards for his service: Red Cross Volunteer of the Year, City of Hermantown Deke Grussendorf Volunteer of the Year and South St. Louis County Senior Volunteer of the Year.

He is survived by his wife, Clara Mae; his sons, Erik (Corey) and, Joel (Molly); grandchildren, Siena, Alistair, Owen, Naomi; and his sister Ruby Ziehl of Casper, Wyoming. Ed was preceded in death by, Oliver and Emma, his siblings and granddaughter Mara.

Edward's legacy of selflessness, dedication, and unwavering service to both his family and his community will continue to inspire those who had the honor of knowing him. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that any memorial donations go to Bethel Lutheran Church in Northfield, MN or to the Alzheimer's Association. www.donorservicrs.alz.org .

A private family interment is planned for a later date at Bethany Cemetery in Hermantown, MN.

www.northfieldfuneral.com