Frederick Halvorson

Frederick G. Halvorson, age 79 of Cottage Grove, formerly of St. Paul, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2017.

Funeral will be 11:00 am, Thursday, January 12, 2017 at Hope Community Church, 8300 Hyde Ave. S, Cottage Grove. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 pm, Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 – 80th St. S, Cottage Grove and also one hour prior to the service at church. Memorials will be donated to causes that were dear to Fred's heart. Interment will be at Cottage Grove Cemetery.

Frederick Gilmen Halvorson was born October 28, 1937 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Reuben and Cecilia (Pfeifer) Halvorson. He graduated from Harding High School in 1955. At the age of 12, while listening to a gospel presentation by Billy Graham, Fred's heart was drawn to following Jesus. On graduation night, he went on a cruise around town with a few classmates, including Joan Ehnstrom, who he had invited to join them. Fred and Joan were united in marriage on October 6, 1956 and they made their home in St Paul. He worked at West Publishing and the Billy Graham Ministries for several years while continuing to pursue his education. Fred taught commercial art and photography at The St. Paul Technical College for 14 years until taking a position as a desktop publisher with 3M until his retirement in 1999. After living in St. Paul for over 40 years, Joan and Fred moved to Cottage Grove in 2007.

Fred was very creative and enjoyed all kinds of painting, whether it was charcoal, watercolor or oil painting. He was an avid reader and taught himself how to use the computer. He made many creations on his homemade pottery wheel. He also made stained glass and enjoyed spending time in the garden. As the children were growing up, they enjoyed making great memories on family camping trips to William O'Brien State Park. Fred was an active member of the Hazel Park Alliance Church where he served as a board member, adult Sunday school teacher and sang bass in the church choir.

He is survived by his daughters, Julaine Stark, Kristen (Dan) Stewart, Andrea (Scott) Gervais; grandchildren, Matthew, Eric, Kaitlyn and Megan Stark, Jessica and Joshua Stewart, Jacob and Nicole Gervais; brothers Ronald and Douglas Halvorson as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Joan as well as his parents and sisters Joan and Patricia.