Brian Halverson

February 8, 1940 — March 30, 2019

Brian Halverson, age 79, of rural Baker, passed away suddenly on Saturday, March 30, 2019, doing what he loved, caring for his farm.

Visitation will be from 5-8 PM, Thursday, April 4, 2019 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Barnesville with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the funeral service.

A Funeral Service to celebrate and honor Brian’s life will be at 11:00 am on Friday, April 5, 2019 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church with Reverend Chris Leach officiating, with burial to follow in City Cemetery.

Brian Kent was born on February 8, 1940 to Arthur J. and Francelia (Reierson) Halverson in the home he lived in all of his life in rural Baker. Brian graduated from Barnesville High School in 1958. He was active in football and the FFA during his high school years. He then attended the University of Minnesota in St. Paul, for Agriculture.

Brian met the love of his life at the Clay County Fair, Joanne Elizabeth Brakke. They were married June 24, 1960 at Hoff Lutheran Church in Rustad, MN. They lived and farmed in Elkton Township in Clay County. Four children were born to this union: Pam, Mike, Matt and Jayne.

Brian enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Especially the times spent with his 10 grandchildren and his 2 great granddaughters. Brian could be counted upon to help his children and grandchildren in preparing cattle for 4-H and FFA events. He served as a mentor to youth and opened his farm to teach them about showing cattle. He was a sports fan and enjoyed attending sporting events of his children and grandchildren. Brian was always “willing” to share his opinion. He was inducted into the Barnesville High School Hall of Fame. During his farming career, he received many awards including: Angus Heritage Foundation Award, Clay County Outstanding Conservationists, Clay County Valley Farmer and Homemaker Award, NDSU Outstanding Agriculture Award, Clay County Friend of the Fair, and the Red River Valley Potato Growers Association Meritorious Award, Minnesota Angus Association Breeder of the Year, and was a Potato Days Grand Marshall.

Brian was active and served as a member of the Clay County Fair Board for 45 years. He was also a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church Council and the Brotherhood, the MN Certified Seed Potato Board and was a lifetime member of the American Angus Association. His passion was in farming, especially cattle. Through his years of cattle sales and traveling to shows, he made several lifetime friends. Brian liked time spent in the potato warehouse, where he gave “directions” to the workers.

Brian will be dearly missed by his wife of 59 years, Joanne, his children: Pam Eastman of Staples, MN, Matt (Theresa) Halverson of Baker, Jayne (Pat) Rein of International Falls, MN, daughter-in-law Brenda Halverson of Baker, 10 grandchildren: Megan (Michael) Ness, Zachary (Chantel) Eastman, Evan Halverson, Paige (Zachary) Griffin, Ann Halverson, Nicole Halverson, Nathan Halverson, Lauren Halverson, Cullen Rein, Ellie Rein, and 2 great granddaughters: Vivian Ness and Lainey Jo Griffin.

He was preceded in death by his son Mike, son-in-law, Dennis Eastman, his parents, 2 brothers, Donald and Robert, and sister-in-law, Eileen Halverson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Barnesville.