"Dear Family of Paul, I came to visit Paul and Nelle first in about 1974 with Sharon (Wahlin) Clark. We had a lovely weekend together, and our friendship has continued through the years. It was friendship with fellowship in the Spirit. We loved time together at meetings centered on the Bible. Iowa just won\'t seem the same without Paul and Nelle. My sympathy to all the family, Anita Forsberg"
In loving memory of
Paul W. Halverson
August 29, 1939 - February 25, 2021
Paul Willis Halverson, 81, passed away on February 25, 2021. He was born on August 29, 1939, in Regent, North Dakota, to Herbert Ernest Halverson and Ragna Marie (Lien) Halverson. Paul grew up in Regent, North Dakota. He attended school in Devils Lake, North Dakota at the North Dakota School for the Deaf (NDSD). He graduated in 1959. Paul was recognized and received Athlete Hall of Fame in 1985 at the NDSD for his athletic abilities in football, basketball and track.
Paul married Gaye Nelle Ketcham on November 23, 1962 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Together they moved to Hettinger, North Dakota, where they had their first daughter (Peggy). Six months later they moved to Algona, Iowa where they welcomed their son (John) and daughter (Janet). They resided in Algona from 1965-2011. Paul worked at Algona Publishing Co as a Linotypist for 44 years until retirement. Paul was an active member for a variety of Deaf Clubs in Iowa, National Deaf Campers and the Iowa Association of the Deaf. Paul had several interests including reading his bible, spending time with his family, gardening, and playing games. Paul and Nelle were happily married for 53 years until Nelle's untimely death on March 22, 2016.
Paul was preceded in death by his wife, Nelle, parents Herbert and Ragna Halverson and brother-in-law Douglas Noteboom.
Paul is survived by his three children, daughter Peggy (Daryl) Chicoine of Ankeny, Iowa, son John (Susan) Halverson of Edmond, OK and daughter Janet (Jim) Berte of Bode, Iowa; sister Francis Noteboom, Sioux Falls, SD and brother Dorrance (Lydia) Halverson, Evanston, IL.; Grandchildren Cara (Brent) Wells, Rose (Brian) Hartung, Dana (Scott) Gemmill and Beth (Michael) Kreft, Richelle (Chris) Thedford, Alex and Austin Halverson, Adam (Angela) Halverson, Samuel Halverson and Leah Berte; Great Grandchildren, Landon, Tate, Ryder, Kaleah and Knox Halverson, Demi, Edmund and Gavin Wells, Pearl, Daniel and Maria Hartung, Russell and Colette Gemmill, Gabriel Thedford, and two additional on the way.
A private family service will be held at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Algona with burial in Riverview Cemetery in Algona. Cards and memorials in Paul's memory may be sent to his daughter, Janet Berte, 501 Humboldt Avenue, Bode, IA 50519.
Tributes
"Paul was one of my first students at NDSD. He was an outstanding student and a talented athlete. I have always remembered him with great memories. Henry Brenner D"
"We think of Cousin Paul?s family at this time with sincere sympathy. We remember you, Peggy from the Arneson, Halverson, Olson family reunion. You were the one who came with your Mom & Dad to Itasca State Park. Paul was an outstanding man from the time he was voted high school class King to filling a humble place in their Sunday meeting! I enjoyed my visits with Paul in our growing up year?s & also at Uncle Ray & Aunt Amy?s in Hettinger!! He has gone on before us?? Will & Karol Thompson "
"Dan Sherick When Vernon Spinner and I were in North Central Iowa (1977-\'78), we usually went to Paul and Nelle\'s home every week to study a chapter in the Bible with them. It was a joy to hear Nelle say in the spring of 1978 that she felt God speaking personally to her. Paul was feeling the same. A bit later, in a Sunday morning worship service near Buffalo Center, Paul gave his testimony and said: \"My faith is very weak, but perhaps like a little, living mustard seed that will grow and continue to grow.\" It did grow, and Paul and Nelle started a journey with God that has ended in eternity with Him."
"Our dear friend Paul inspired me when I was with him and when I remembered him from far away! We loved having Paul, Nelle, Peggy, John and Janet with us in Mtg when I was a girl at home and they, amongst, other deaf friends, were my inspiration to learn sign language. Thinking of you three children in a special way! Special care and love from Chiapas, Mexico.. Lynette Lee"
"I met Paul and Nell at Regent ND when they visited his mother, Ragna. We managed to communicate with signs and wonders. They were very patient with my efforts. I know some of their Halverson cousins, the Wahlin?s, who also inherited some of the deaf problems."
"Paul was an amazing, patient man. He taught me my first sign language when I was 12 years old and it was a privilege to be able to help interpret in our Sunday fellowship meetings this past couple of years. He will be greatly missed ! Bruce and Randi Belling"