Merle N. Halvorson, 81, of New Hampton,  died Wednesday, June 18, at his home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 23, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Lourdes with Monsignor John Hemann celebrating mass. Organist will be Jane Karels. The St. Bernard’s Men’s Choir and the North Washington Men’s Choir will sing “Just A Closer Walk With Thee”, “The Old Rugged Cross”, “The Strife is O’re the Battle is Done”, “It’s Not the First Mile” and “On Eagle’s Wings”. Burial will be in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Lourdes, with Jacob Halvorson, Justin Halvorson, Nick Huber, Luke Huber, Louis Reicks and Jordan Gray serving as casket bearers.  Military rites with the Alta Vista VFW Post #4069.
    Visitation will be from 3 - 8 p.m. Sunday, June 22, at Conway-Kolbet Funeral Home in New Hampton with a rosary at 4:30 p.m. and visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
    Merle Norman Halvorson was born February 20, 1927 to Nels and Marie (Johnson) Halvorson, Jacksonville Township near Lawler. He went to country school in north Jerico for eight years and graduated from New Hampton High School in 1944. After graduation Merle helped out on the family farm and entered into the US Army on September 14, 1950 serving his country during the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant on August 30, 1952.  After his discharge from the army he worked as a carpenter, factory worker and feed salesman. On November 6, 1954 Merle was united in marriage to Joan Marie Ehler at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dubuque. Merle and Joan lived near Jerico for more than 47 years. He worked 27 years for the Chickasaw County Conservation Department, the final 13 years as Executive Director. After retiring in 1989, Merle was a Chickasaw County Conservation board member for four years. Merle took great pride in assuring that the public would have access to well maintained parks in Chickasaw County.  Merle enjoyed fishing, playing cards, golf, spending time with family and friends. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church and a lifetime member of VFW Post 4069 of Alta Vista.
    Merle is survived by his wife Joan; six sons Gary (Pat) Halvorson, Alta Vista, Ed (Lorna) Halvorson, Elkhart, Ind., Jeff Halvorson, New Hampton, Paul Halvorson, New Hampton,  Pete (Leanne) Halvorson of Fairfax, Bruce (Julie) Halvorson of New Hampton; two daughters Shelly (Wayne) Gray, New Hampton, and Sandy (Dean) Reicks, Lawler; brother Alger “Pud” Halvorson; brother-in-law Don Carroll; 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
    He is preceded in death by his parents; sister Arldine Carroll; brother James Halvorson; and sister-in-law Thelma Halvorson.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.conway-kolbetfuenralhome.com