Halftan J. Jacobson • 1911 - 2002

Halftan J. Jacobson, 91, Deering, died Friday, October 18, 2002, in a Minot medical center.

Halftan was born October 16, 1911, on the family homestead, near Deering, ND, the son of Hartvig and Othilie Jacobson. He was raised and educated in that area.

Halftan farmed his entire life in the Deering area. In addition, he worked as gravel pit foreman during the construction of US Highway 2. He also worked and a welder and carpenter and was involved in the construction of the Minot Air Force Base and Cargill Elevator.

On December 25, 1936, he married Thelma Nygaard at the family farm. Together they had five children. Thelma died in 1980. In 1981 he married Elsie Jacobson of Bristol, SD. They lived and farmed on the family farm until 1988, when he retired. Of the early settlers and their descendants, Halftan was the only son remaining on his father's original homestead in Kottke Valley Township and remained on the farm until his death.

Halftan was a member of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church, Minot. He was a former member of the Rising Lutheran Church, rural Norwich, before it closed, and was active on the church cemetery board. Halftan was one of several who planted and cared for the trees at the Rising Lutheran Cemetery. He was a former member of the Kottke Valley Township Board. Some of Halftan's favorite activities were fishing, hunting, playing the harmonica, riding his Hondas, visiting with family and friends, and attending church.

Survivors: Wife, Elsie; sons, Howard (Mary) Jacobson, and Wesley (Kathy) Jacobson, and daughter, Phyllis (Ralph) Stratton; six grandchildren, Mike Stratton, Tina Kosmicki, Renelle, Brett, Brian and Ashley Jacobson; two great-grandchildren, Emily Stratton and Caitlin Kosmicki; step-children, Allan Jacobson, Janet (Loren) Peterson, Karen (Keith) Kinder, Myrlene (Ed) Hamilton; four step grandchildren, Laurel, Sara, Kevin and Kimberly; and one step great-grandchild, Johah; five nephews also survive. Halftan was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma Jacobson; son, Warren Jacobson; infant daughter, Beverly Jacobson; his parents; sister, Helen Morrison; half sister, Fanny Andvik and nephew, Robert Morrison.

Funeral: Wednesday, October 23, 2002, at 10:00 a.m., at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Brethren Church, Minot.

Visitation: Tuesday, October 22, 2002, from noon to 7:00 p.m., at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Burial: Wednesday, October 23, 2002, at 1:00 p.m., at Rising Lutheran Cemetery, rural Norwich, ND.

Officiant: Pastor Craig Jennings

Music: Richard and Marlene Pederson, duet
Pastor Hampton Kavlie, soloist
Jack Morrison, guitar instrumental
Lynette Tonneson, organist

Honorary Bearers: Halftan's nephews

Active Bearers: Wayne Lovro, Allen Lovro, Doug Woodall, David Woodal, Loren Andreson Darrel Hovde

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