1937-Jerome Halbur-2020
Jerry Halbur was born on March 19, 1937 in Iona, Minnesota, to Frank and Thecla Nytes Halbur. He grew up on the family farm south of Iona with his eight brothers and sisters. Jerry graduated from St. Columba Catholic High School in Iona in 1955. In 1958 Jerry married Jeanette Vercruysse of Marshall, Minnesota and settled down in the town of Slayton, Minnesota. They had one son James, in 1962. Jerry began his career at Karl’s Motors, and then moved to Beal Distributing (thus his love of Grain Belt beer), and then on to the Murray County Highway Department, finishing his career at the MNDOT State Highway Department. He proudly served several years with AFSCME Local Union 605 as a member, president, and negotiator. Jerry purchased 20 acres of farm property south of Slayton in 1972. He and longtime friend, Art Reinsma carefully deconstructed his alma mater, St. Columba School and thoughtfully used those materials to create and build a dream home and hobby farm for his family. Jerry was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Slayton where he served as a volunteer and past church council member. Jerry enjoyed the view from his deck at his home into the surrounding wetlands, often-spotting deer, pheasants, and all types of wildlife. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his family and friends, taking many trips (20+ years) into Canada fishing with his friend, John Dusek. He also enjoyed hunting in Northern Minnesota, Western Wisconsin as well as fishing on Lake Shetek where he loved to relax and entertain guests. In 2006 he and Jeanette started wintering at Adobe Wells in Mac Allen, Texas. There they enjoyed golfing, pool time and a few highballs for happy hour. Jerry will be deeply missed and honored by his friends and family always. Jerry passed away on Friday, May 22, 2020, at Ava’s House, a Sanford Hospice Facility in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 83.
Survivors include his wife Jeanette Halbur, Slayton, MN; son Jim (wife Kari), Mankato, MN; grandson Simon and granddaughter Sydney; six siblings: Roger Halbur (wife Joanne), Slayton, MN, Kathy Johanning, Grass City, IN, Mary Hentges (husband David), Black Duck, MN, Leon Halbur (wife Carolyn), Maple Grove, MN, Jean Hentges, Iona, MN, Marlys Pomeranke (husband Dan), Willmar, MN, sister-in-law Lisa Halbur, Detroit Lakes, MN and several nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother Francis Halbur; one brother Michael Halbur, and two brothers-in-law: Don Johanning, Robert Hentges.
Funeral services at St. Ann’s Church in Slayton, MN on Monday, June 1, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Mark McNea officiating. The pallbearers are Simon Halbur, Dave Halbur, Con Johnson, Ron Persoon, Jack Carstensen and John Dusek. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Marshall, MN. St. Ann’s Church is requiring Masks to be worn throughout the entire Mass due to the COVID-19 restrictions. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s honor can be made to St Ann’s Catholic Church. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com
