Irvin "Bud" Halbakken

Irvin “Bud” Halbakken, age 80, died at his home December 9, 2015, surrounded by family after a courageous year-long battle with cancer.

Irvin Stanley Halbakken was born May 22, 1935, to Selmer and Ida (Lien) Halbakken at a farmstead north of Rothsay, MN. In 1942, his family bought a farm 2 miles southwest of Rothsay, where he has lived ever since. He was baptized and confirmed at Hamar Lutheran Church and graduated from Rothsay High School in 1953. In his junior year of high school he attended the American Legion Boy’s State Convention.

He married Marjorie Ouse on October 1, 1955, at Hamar Lutheran Church in Rothsay. Bud and Margie raised their family on the dairy farm. In 1976, they discontinued dairying and farmed the land until 1995, when he helped out the land renters whenever needed with the farming activities. He received many farm and dairy awards at the Crookston Winter Shows, and served on many county and township boards. He was a lifelong supporter of 4-H, being involved as a young boy and as a leader and later involving his family.

Bud had a strong work ethic that was evident in his stewardship of the farm and the way he provided for his family. His strongest characteristic was his steadfast faith and devotion to his family. Margie was his constant companion on the farm and in the last year as they made many doctor and hospital visits. He loved his children and his smile would simply light up when visiting with grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bud could speak fluent Norwegian and was very proud of his heritage. In 1980, he experienced his first trip to Norway, traveling there another 13 times including trips with each of his children. He led several groups there on tours and served as guide/interpreter with groups visiting the U.S. Meeting King Olav was a highlight of his travels. He made many lifelong Norwegian friends from his experiences.

He served various ways at Hamar Lutheran Church including as cemetery sexton. He was also involved in many community organizations. One of his passions was woodworking in his shop. Bud was a skilled craftsman, making countless items including toy skid steer tractors, hope chests and a roll-top desk, and he repaired and refinished many pieces for friends and family. He also loved to deer hunt and ice fish.

For over 20 years, Bud worked for the Grina and Olson Funeral Homes as a funeral assistant. This work brought him much joy and satisfaction. He loved the people he worked with and many were treated like family.

Bud had many dear friends in the community and especially enjoyed the coffee club mornings at the Truck Stop. He had a unique sense of humor that will be greatly missed.

Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Marjorie of 60 years; daughter, Martha (Robert Jr.) Kapaun of Casselton, ND, daughter Linda (Craig) Bichrt of Hudson, WI, and son Mark (Michele) of Perham, MN: grandchildren, Adam (Justine) Kapaun and Laken, Matt (Tina) Kapaun and Ella, Jana (Ryan) Gall, Joshua (Rose) Barta and Azariah, Evalyn and William, Lars Bichrt and Molli Bichrt, and Wesley Halbakken and Jada Halbakken, plus many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Selmer and Ida, sister Ellen and brother-in-law Wallace Achen, and sister Avis Wahl.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the New Life Lutheran Church Building Fund, Lakeland Hospice or Lake Region Cancer Center are preferred.

Visitation: 2:00-4:00 PM on Sunday, December 13, 2015, at New Life Lutheran Church in Rothsay, with a prayer service at 3:30 PM and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday
Service: 11:00 AM on Monday, December 14, 2015, at New Life Lutheran Church in Rothsay
Clergy: Jerry Peterson S.A.M.
Interment: Hamar Cemetery in rural Rothsay
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls