Gary Halverson

Gary Lee Halverson was born the youngest of seven children to Walter and Clara (Raad) Halverson on February 27, 1948 in Luverne, Minnesota. He grew up on a farm near Kenneth, Minnesota and attended Kenneth schools through the eighth grade. He then went to Magnolia High School in Magnolia, Minnesota where he graduated in 1966. On June 30, 1967, Gary married Jean Wiese at the Luverne Methodist Church. The couple moved to the Binford farm place south of Kenneth, where he worked as a farmhand from 1964 to 1968. In 1968, the young family moved to the Kanaranzi Elevator house in Kanaranzi, Minnesota and Gary began working for the company. In 1971, Gary and his family settled into their current home in Kanaranzi. It was the same home where they raised their children and later welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren through the door. In August 2010, after 42 years of service, Gary retired from the Elevator.

Gary was a member of the United Methodist Church in Magnolia and the Kanaranzi Lion’s Club. He enjoyed bowling, the El Dorado Club, playing spades and going to the casino. Gary was loyal and a hard worker. He was a simple man who didn’t need or want anything fancy in life. He found contentment in the basic things and was very proud of his family.

In May of 2023, Gary was diagnosed with colon cancer that metastasized to his liver and lungs. He began his treatment, but made the decision to stop chemo in April of 2024. At this time, his doctors believed he would only have about six months to live. He and his family were given a tremendous gift of fourteen months with him. During this time, he was able to give his family so much love and happiness, never losing his sense of humor – he enjoyed every day. He made his daily pickup ride to check the crops, watched every episode and continual reruns of Hallmark mysteries, played cards with his family every night while showing off his unique ability to win often and truly enjoyed coloring and tea parties with his sweet great-granddaughter, Blakelee. When he could, Gary still loved a short time playing a couple of games of Mississippi and his favorite slots at the casino. As an avid sports fan, his family will continue to wonder how the NFL and NBA referees will continue to do their job without his verbal assistance.

On Saturday, June 7, 2025, Gary died at his home under hospice care at the age of 77 years, three months and 11 days. He was the best husband, dad, grandpa and Papa 1 ever.

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Jean; four children, Tom Halverson of Madison, South Dakota, Lynn Halverson of Luverne, David (Amber) Halverson of Brandon, South Dakota, and Mike Halverson of Magnolia; five grandchildren, Caitlun Maassen (friend, Curtis Miller), Elle Halverson (friend, Patrick Kroski), MeKayla (Travis Kuemper) Halverson, Madisynn Pralguske, Rilynn Pralguske and Lexus Wessels; four great-grandchildren, Blakelee Maassen, Charley Kuemper, Berkley Kuemper, and Eliot Lund; three siblings, Louise Burley of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, Adela Faugstad of Emmons, Minnesota, and Stan (Linda) Halverson of Alexandria, Minnesota; two brothers-in-law, Bob Kruger of Alpena, Michigan, and Jerry Sims of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews and other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Lester and Lorraine Wiese; sisters, Phyllis Kruger and Margaret Sims; brother, Arnold Halverson; and brothers-in-law, Harland Burley and Norman Faugstad.

If traveling to Gary's memorial visitation, please be aware of road construction. If coming from the east on I-90, be sure to take the Valley Springs exit and follow detour.