Bernadette (Bernie) Halvorson
Bernadette A. (Bernie) Halvorson of East Dubuque, IL passed away at home surrounded by her family December 9, 2023, at the age of 82. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Friday, December 15 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Richard Halvorson presiding. Burial followed at East Dubuque Cemetery. The Miller Funeral Home of East Dubuque assisted the family.
Bernadette was born June 5, 1941 in Lansing. She was the daughter of Stanley and Velma (Knickerbocker) Walleser, who preceded her in death. She grew up on a farm in a family of five brothers and nine sisters. She attended St. George Catholic High School in Lansing, graduating in 1959.
Bernadette married Richard C. Halvorson June 30, 1959 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing. Together they raised nine children in East Dubuque, IL. Bernadette’s life was a labor of unselfish love dedicated to maintaining a stable and nurturing home environment for her family. She was also employed at Area Residential Care for 21 years after raising her children.
Bernadette was a woman of deep faith and abiding prayer. She was unwavering in her practice of the Catholic faith and strived daily to reverence life through numerous unselfish acts of charity for others. She was also an accomplished cook and baker. She enjoyed hosting a house full of people, her motto was “the more the merrier”. She could whip-up a delicious and nourishing meal in a moments-notice, and all ate and were satisfied. We would be remised not to mention that Bernie enjoyed telling/sharing a good story, and giving frank advice - if you wanted it or not - but her intent was always sincere and heartfelt.
Bernadette is survived by her husband of 64 years, Richard; her children: Rev. Richard Halvorson, Randy (Mary Beth) Halvorson, Renee LeGrand, Roxane (Ken) Brown, Rob (Karen) Halvorson, Roger Halvorson, Rhonda (Joe) Schlickman and Ryan (Shaunna) Halvorson; her daughter-in-law, Nancy (Lynn) Utesch; 27 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; her siblings: Clement (Judy) Walleser, Betty Schedivy, Donna Johnson, Alice Koeller, Henrietta “Daisy” Bauman, John (Jean) Walleser, Helenjean Walleser, Virginia Hendrickson, Susanna (Ronald) Brudos, Edward (Vivian) Walleser, Mary Jo (Armand) Bringe, Kevin (Anne Elwing) Walleser and Margaret (John) McDonah; and her sister-in-law, Shirley Walleser.
She is preceded in death by her son, Russell Halvorson; her brother, Stanley (Buck) Walleser; her father-in-law, Herbert Halvorson; and her mother-in-law, Lorine (Johnson) Halvorson.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.
