Don T. Halvorson

Don Tilford Halvorson, age 84, passed away January 14, 2025.

Don was born April 25, 1940 in Rochester, MN to Tilford and Gladys (Sylling) Halvorson.

Don was an only child. His mother passed away when he was 12 years old, and he spent a lot of time in his childhood with his extended family.

Don attended Rochester High School in Rochester, MN. Don enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. He studied art at Mankato State where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

Don married Susan Maynard in July of 1968. They welcomed their only child, Kristin Elizabeth in 1972. They lived together in Maplewood, MN.

Most of Don’s career was spent with Valspar Corporation in Minneapolis, where he worked as a graphic artist until his retirement in 2000.

Don is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan; his daughter Kristin (Halvorson) Taipale; his granddaughters, Lauren Gomez, Madeline Taipale, and Meredith Taipale.

Don took great joy and angst in following the Minnesota Vikings and was a life-long fan who assured his family that every single year was the year they would go all the way. Sadly, his last days saw them lose to the Detroit Lions, which absolutely no one would ever expect. Don was also a huge fan of the Minnesota Gophers and was delighted when his granddaughter Lauren entered the University and shared his love of Gopher Football, Hockey and Basketball.

Don was an avid fly fisherman who meticulously restored bamboo rods and tied his own flies. He was a collector of stamps, both US, Canada and Norway. He took Norwegian language classes through the Sons of Norway Synnøve Nordkap Lodge, where he was an active member of the genealogy group, and where he wrote a regular column in their newsletter about varying Norwegian topics. Don was interested in the Norwegian Resistance during World War II and took great interest in Native American history. Don was a wildlife artist and entered his paintings into many duck and trout stamp competitions.

Don was a devoted father and husband, fiercely loyal and caring. Don didn’t mince words, so you knew when Don was happy or angry, up until the end. He was an incredibly loving man and will be deeply missed by his family.

Don will be interred at the MN State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, MN in the summer of 2025 at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, 163 W. Main St., Spring Grove, MN 55974.