Kenneth Martin Halvorson, Sr.

Kenneth Martin Halvorson Sr. passed away in his home on Sunday February 2, 2025 at the age of 91 surrounded by family after a courageous 14-month battle with cancer.

Ken was born on the family farm in Canton Township Fillmore County, Minnesota on Sept. 13, 1933 to Merland and Winifred (Johnson) Halvorson. He attended Prosper Elementary School, Canton Public School until 1951. In 1958, he met the love of his life, Lois E. Schlee. On January 31, 1959 Ken and Lois were married in Mabel, Minnesota and just celebrated 66 incredible years together.

Ken was drafted into the Army in April 1954. He served during the Korean conflict as well as Vietnam and retired in January 1979. While in the Army he served in the Infantry, Bus Driver, Infantry Operations, Air Traffic Controller, Aviation’s Operations Flight Platoon Sergeant, Airfield Operations NCOIC First Sergeant, Mast 571st Medical Detachment Helicopter Ambulance at Ft. Carson Colorado. One tour in Alaska, Two tours in Korea, two tours in Vietnam 1971-1972 with D troup 1st Sqdrn , 1st Cav Division Chu Lai and Danang Vietnam. 1967-1968 147th ASH 222nd BN Vung Tau Vietnam. 1968 138th Trans BN Phouc Vinh Vietnam. He also flew 81 combat missions. After he retired from Army Active Duty Ken went on to work at the USAFA from 1981 to March 1996.

Ken and Lois fell in love with the Colorado Springs area and made this their lifelong home. Ken loved spending time in the mountains. He thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and all the outdoor activity Colorado has to offer. Ken continued to hunt into his 80’s. Even after he stopped actively hunting, he would enjoy going on the annual hunting trips with his son, Ken, and all of their friends.

Ken loved to tell stories and share his experiences with friends and family. He was quick to laugh and bring a smile to everyone in his company.

Ken and Lois traveled to see their Grandkids in Ohio, Connecticut, Oregon and Florida. They made many trips to Arizona and always brought back fresh oranges to friends and family. In 2004 Ken & Lois made a 16 day trip to Norway, touring the country of his ancestors.

Ken was invited and made a trip to Washington DC with the 12th honor flight of Southern Colorado in 2018. During the trip he was able to visit the Vietnam and Korean War Memorial and pay respects to his fallen brothers and sisters in the military.

Ken is survived by wife Lois, children Kenneth Jr. (Deborah), Wayne (Tammy), Robert and Teresa (Mike Borders). They have eight grandchildren; Emily, Brennen, Olivia, Ashleigh, Kelsey, James Lowe IV, Bethany and Brandi. In addition Ken and Lois have twelve great grandchildren. He also leaves sisters Patricia, Judy, and Jean, sisters -in law Audrey, Judy, Betty, Kathy and Sharon, one brother-in-law John Schlee.

Ken was preceded in death by his Parents, one brother and his wife Richard and Cecilia, sisters Bonnie Richardson, Lois Ann Swenson and Marge Fossey; brothers-in-law Mike Richardson, Don Doose, Stanley Swenson, Larry Smith, John Burreson, Gary Larson, Alan Fossey and Larry Wille. Also in-laws Jean Schlee, Wes Halverson, Darrell & Juanita Bruening, Kenneth Bruening, Vince Carolan, Erv Kirchner, Jane & Joan Schlee.

Ken was a member of Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, Sons of Norway, Life member of DAV & VFW.

A service to honor and celebrate Ken’s life will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 10:00am at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church 927 Logan Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80909. After the funeral, a gathering will be held at 11:30am at Sons Of Norway, 1045 Ford St, Colorado Springs, CO 80915.

The family would like to give special thanks to the team at Pikes Peak Hospice for outstanding care, especially Susan and Terry. Please direct donations to Pikes Peak Hospice or Sons of Norway, Colorado Springs.