Erling Halbakken

Erling Halbakken, 88, of Fergus Falls, formerly of Rothsay, died Sunday, June 14, 2020, at the Minnesota Veterans Home, Fergus Falls.

Erling Roger Halbakken was born on August 5, 1931 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Fergus Falls, MN, the son of Earl and Inga (Western) Halbakken.  He attended country school through the eighth grade and graduated from Rothsay High School.  Erling went on to attend technical school in Wahpeton for two years.

On June 20, 1953, Erling married Delores Overgaard at Bethel Church in Fergus Falls, and they were blessed with three children.

Erling was drafted into the United States Army on September 22, 1953.  He was stationed in Germany during the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged in September of 1955.  Following his military service, Erling and his family spent a year in Billings, Montana, where he worked as an auto mechanic, before returning to Rothsay to farm alongside his father.  During his farming years, Erling also worked for H & R Block, American Crystal Sugar in Moorhead, and owned Halbakken-Raw Construction.

On November 14, 1981, Erling married Solveig Glasoe at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.

Over the years, Erling was active in many organizations, including 4H and the Republican Party.  Erling was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, where he served as a trustee and treasurer.

Erling was an avid sports fan, and especially enjoyed following his children, grandchildren, and family friends.  Erling was one of the most avid Minnesota Twins fans and also enjoyed following various high school and college teams as well.

Erling is survived by his wife, Solveig of Fergus Falls; three children, Lisa (Ted) Burrington of Fergus Falls, Karen (Jim) Galles of Glendale, Arizona, and Brian (Sue) Halbakken of Eden Prairie, MN; six grandchildren, Sara Pope, Stacy Wigdahl, Shana (Jaime) Rowlette, Gabe (Leah Herdegen) Wigdahl, Aly Halbakken, and Laura Halbakken; and eight great-grandchildren, Cali Keller, Mason Keller, Bode Keller, Ashtyn Pope, Summer Wigdahl, Anna Rowlette, Emily Rowlette, and Ryan Rowlette.  Erling is also survived by Solveig’s four sons, Christopher (Barbara) Glasoe of Shoreview, MN, Stanley Glasoe of New Hope, MN, Jonathan (Rob Pearson) Glasoe of Santa Barbara, California, and Theodore (Maureen) Glasoe of Evanston, Illinois; and six grandchildren, Katharine Glasoe, Walker Glasoe, Allison Glasoe, Hannah (Chris) Rodeno, Noah Glasoe, and Isaiah Glasoe.

In addition to his parents, Erling is preceded in death by his wife, Delores; a grandson-in-law, Travis Pope; and a great-grandson, Thomas Rowlette.

Memorials are preferred to Bethel Lutheran Church or the Minnesota Veterans Home.

Funeral Service: 11 AM Friday, June 19, 2020, at Bethel Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls, with visitation one hour prior to services at the church.  For those unable to attend, a live stream will be available on Erling’s memorial page at www.GlendeNilson.com.

Clergy: Pastor Ed Monson and Pastor Rich Iverson

Military Honors:  American Legion Post #30 and VFW Post #612, Fergus Falls

Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls

Arrangements by Glende-Nilson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls.

Online Guestbook and Webcast: GlendeNilson.com

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