Rollen M. Halvorson

The Rev Dr Rollen Martin Halvorson was born to Albert and Elizabeth Halvorson on August 15, 1936 in Bismarck, ND. The family moved to Peoria, IL shortly after Rollen was born where he spent the rest of his formative years as a member of Salem Lutheran Church. After graduating from Manual High School in 1954 he attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN where he was a member of the tennis team. 

After graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1958, he met Alice Johnson, the love of his life, at a work camp at Alsace-Lorraine in France. They were married on June 6, 1959. He attended Luther Theological seminary in St. Paul, MN where he graduated in 1962. While at seminary he did his internship at First Lutheran Church in Morris MN. His first call was to Grace Lutheran Church in Belview, MN where he served from 1963 to 1967. While in Belview, they discovered and purchased their lifelong cabin property on Lake Carlos in Alexandria, MN. He was called to Faith Lutheran Church in Spicer MN in 1967. After 10 years in Spicer the family moved to Shawano, WI where Rollen was pastor at Zion Lutheran Church. While in Shawano he discovered new ways to serve as a chaplain for the Civil Air Patrol and the hospice program. His last call was to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Redwood Falls, MN where he served from 1984 until his retirement in 1998. During this time he received his Doctorate of Ministry from Luther Theological Seminary.

Upon retirement, Rollen and Alice built and moved to their retirement home on Lake Carlos. He remained active with interim pastoral assignments at many Lutheran churches in the Alexandria lakes area and beyond sometimes traveling 100 miles or more. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, traveling, reading and spending time with his multiple dogs over the years.

Rollen passed away peacefully at his home in his sleep on December 22, 2025. He is survived by his, wife Alice; and children: Jonathan (Deborah), Mary (Joseph), and Joel (Susan); and grandchildren: Benjamin, Ellen, Jonathon (Moe), Elizabeth (Zachary), Aaron, Jacob and Margaret.

A memorial service is planned for 11am on January 3, 2026 at Shalom Lutheran Church in Alexandria. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to Shalom Lutheran Church or a God pleasing ministry of your choice.