David Victor Halvorson

David Victor Halvorson, age 90, of Cottage Grove, MN, passed into the Lord’s presence peacefully with his family by his side on April 18, 2025. Dave was born on February 6, 1935, in rural Sinai, South Dakota, to Victor and Emma (Gullickson) Halvorson. He attended Sinai school his elementary years and several South Dakota high schools. He proudly served his country in the United States Army.

Dave married Lois Masat on June 13, 1964, in Redfield, SD, and lived in Brookings, SD, where Dave completed his college education at South Dakota State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation, they moved to Mendota Heights, MN, and he started work for the MN Department of Transportation. At MNDOT, he served on The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), a national professional group that makes recommendations to states regarding hydraulics. He retired in 1995 after 30 years.

Dave was an active member of Lutheran and Covenant churches and served in many capacities. Dave and Lois joined Servants on Wheels Ever Ready (SOWERS) and travelled around the country with their RV to volunteer for various Christian ministries. Dave was a founding member of International Education Foundation (IEF), which helped students in Honduras with educational and medical needs. Several times, adults and children came to stay in their home while receiving medical care in the U.S., and he traveled to Honduras numerous times to bring supplies and encouragement to those they were helping. He went because he said “I can not think of a reason not to go”. Along with many Crossroads Church friends and others, Dave served with A Touch Of Home (ATOH), sending letters and care packages to hundreds of military men and women overseas.

Over the years, Dave had many interests. He loved spending time with his family, waterskiing, snow skiing and reading. In retirement, he and Lois travelled with backpacks to Germany, Norway, Austria and other countries. He often sang and played guitar in jam sessions at the Cottage Grove Senior Center and at the Fiesta Village RV Park in Mission, Texas. For his 75th birthday, he took his entire family to Utah for a “bucket list” ski trip. For their 50th wedding anniversary, he and Lois celebrated with their family in St. Louis. Every three years for the past 60ish years, he, Lois and their family traveled to the extended Halvorson family reunions. Dave created special, cherished memories for many people.

David is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Lois Halvorson; their three children, Peter (Sonja) Halvorson, Trent (Michelle) Halvorson, Joy (Dan) Minich; six grandchildren, Brooke (Ryne) Martin, Zach (Camryn) Halvorson, Kade (Breanna) Halvorson, Marissa Halvorson, Jace Halvorson, Tre Halvorson; one great grandson, Tommy Martin; sister, Doris Autio; brother, Ken (Linda) Halvorson; two sisters-in-law Karen Halvorson and LaVonne Halvorson. David was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Vern Halvorson and Curt Halvorson; and brother-in-law, Darrell Autio.

We will celebrate Dave’s life on Friday, April 25, 2025, with visitation starting at 10 am, service at 11 am and lunch immediately to follow. Please join us at Crossroads Church Woodbury campus, 5900 Woodbury Drive Woodbury, MN 55129. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org or Alzheimer’s Disease Research at www.brightfocus.org/ADRgift.

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