Raleigh Halvorson

Raleigh Halvorson, 77, Fargo, ND died on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017 at his home.

Raleigh David Halvorson was born Aug. 4, 1940 to Louis and Eleanor Halvorson and grew up in Tolna ND.  He moved to Fargo, ND and began his career as a Volkswagen mechanic, later service manager and then a salesman at Allens Autohous. He worked for several automobile dealers in Fargo where his last place of employment was Ness Auto. He retired in 1990.

Raleigh married Joyce “Jet” Elaine Troite on Sept. 14, 1958 in Fertile, MN. They made their home in West Fargo. Joyce passed away September 19, 1992. Raleigh met Bonnie Swanson and they made their home in West Fargo and later Fargo. They spent winters in Texas and California after Bonnie’s retirement in 2008.

Forever a people’s person, Raleigh could strike up a conversation with anyone and he will be missed by many. He had many joys in his life, the biggest being family and friends.  He also enjoyed watching the news and had to have his daily fix of the Fargo Forum. He loved to hunt, but not animals. He hunted for “deals” and would find them in the papers or auctions. For adventure Raleigh enjoyed light gambling at various casinos but he and Bonnie were pretty common fixtures at the West Fargo VFW for bingo.

Raleigh is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lloyd, Hartley and Ernest; and sisters, Ann (Dean) Holter, Bette Hildebrand, Teresa Eckren, Janice Hovelson, Sandra Gomez and Carol Olsen.

He is survived by Bonnie; daughter, Lea (Tim) Cockayne, West Fargo; sons, Kelly (Nancy) Halvorson, West Fargo and Troy (Shelly) Halvorson, Duluth; grandchildren, Amanda Halvorson, Danielle Halvorson, Eric Halvorson, Megan (Kyle) DeBlieck, Kaylee (Andrew) Currie, Amanda (Greg) Barker; 5 great grandchildren; sister, Louise (LeRoy) Pederson; sister-in-law, Doreen Halvorson; many nieces and nephews; extended family, Tammy (Barry) Burtness, Terri Swanson; and granddaughters, Ashley (Tom) Kading, Amanda Burtness, Amber Burtness.

We would like so much to thank everyone who touched Raleigh’s life to make it a happy one.

Visitation: Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017 from 5 to 7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM at Faith Lutheran Church, West Fargo, ND.

Funeral: Friday at 11 AM at Faith Lutheran Church with visitation one hour prior.

Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com