Violet Halvorson

Published May 08, 2020 at 3:14 PM

Violet E. Halvorson was born to Alton and Esther Erickson on March 16, 1932 in Northwood, ND. She passed away, peacefully, the morning of April 21, 2020. Her daughter Heidi was at her side throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, though her death was not COVID related.

Violet attended Deaconess Nursing School in Grand Forks, North Dakota and made life-long friends there. Upon graduating, she began her nursing career at Deaconess Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Joseph (Gene) Halvorson (who preceded her in death) and Violet were married in 1954 – and had six children and nine grandchildren: Kari (Steve) Sgourakes (and Samantha); Marthe (Randy) Moseley (and Nicholas); James (Paula) Halvorson (and Joe (Nicole and great grandkids Jett, Lars, & Tyke), Tony, Eric, Jacob, Mike, and Emma); Pauli Halvorson; Heidi Halvorson; Vicky (Jeff) Prouse (and Amelia).

Violet and Gene spent the majority of their careers in Lake Park, MN where Gene was the superintendent of schools. Violet was famous for her scrumptious donuts, buns, and Gramma Vi peanut butter & Rice Krispy bars with chocolate frosting. She was active in Homemakers, Girl Scouts, and various church activities at Lake Park Lutheran and Houglum Lutheran. Many of her children’s classmates were known to stop by for lunch to spend time with Vi, and to have a treat or two.

Vi & Gene moved to Fargo, ND 1990 where she stayed active with the Red Hat Ladies club, knitting, traveling, and church at Olivet Lutheran. She traveled to help with all 9 of her grandchildren following their births. Violet excelled in acts of kindness. MANY basketball games, soccer games and concerts were attended by Violet whenever visiting grandchildren. She LOVED her family – be it biological or extended.

Violet moved into Independent Living at Waterford (Touchmark), Fargo, ND in 2010. She was told to get in there while she could still enjoy all the benefits! She was active in swimming and aerobics, lefse-making and card playing.

Violet moved to St. Paul, MN in August of 2016. Scenic drives, church, concerts, coffee & treats, and rocking-chair-sitting on Heidi’s deck, were all highlights of her St. Paul life. Alzheimer’s claimed Violet’s life – but the victory was the Lord’s. Violet’s faith was strong, and many devotions, scripture reading and hymn singing were shared prior to her death. Violet will be interred at Fort Snelling Cemetery in the late summer/fall.

Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter at alz.org/mnnd or for mailed in donations, Alzheimer’s Association MN-ND Chapter 7900 W. 78th St., Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55439.