Edward H. Halverson, Jr., age 64, currently of Arthur, Nebraska, passed away on Monday, February 4, 2013 at his home.
Rosary and Wake Services followed by the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 9th at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Ogallala, Nebraska with Father Bryan Ernest as celebrant. A military tribute will be presented by the Keith County Veteran’s Honor Guard.
Committal services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 11th at the Black Hills National Cemetery at Sturgis, SD with military honors.
Ed was born on December 31, 1948 in Vermillion, SD, the son of Ed and Betty (Nelson) Halverson. He was raised along with his two sisters and brother in Wakonda, SD. After graduating high school he served in the US Army from 1968 thru 1970.
Ed married Neta Raker in April of 1969. They had two sons, Cory, who died at infancy, and Justin Halverson. Ed was an awarded Veteran of the Vietnam War receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with DVC, and the Sharpshooter (M-14 and M-16 rifles). Upon returning back to the States in 1970 he was in the Army Reserves based in Fort Riley, KS until 1974. He and Neta returned to Scotland, SD and raided their son Justin. Over the years Ed’s occupations have consisted of construction work, farming, gas transporting, over the road truck driving and currently ranching.
Ed enjoyed riding horseback. Whether it was on a cattle drive or gathering the herd for branding he was always willing to saddle up his horse! He also enjoyed helping Justin Suhn and all fellow Special Olympians with horseback riding, bowling and numerous other events. Rodeos, of course, have always been a huge highlight for Ed. He and his very special friend, Barb Rinehart, have traveled many of miles to watch a rodeo. They made it out to Pendleton, OR this fall for the Pendleton Roundup and Rodeo. That was a great time for Ed. They also shared many trips out to Las Vegas for the NFR and for two weeks each year went to the Cheyenne Frontier Days for the parades and rodeo performances. During Ed’s adventures thru life he has met many people all of whom call him a friend. He has shared many laughs and jokes with all his neighbors and family. He treasured sharing trucking stories with his son, Justin, and all his great trucking friends. He made many memories with his friends and family attending rodeos, wild horse races and ranch rodeo team penning contests. Some friends knew him as Fast Eddie and others called him Hoppy. He really enjoyed branding season as they call it in Arthur County. Every spring the neighbors get together to brand each other’s calves. Ed loved every minute of it. He enjoyed watching all the young kids wrestle the calves and sharing a joke with all his neighbors. Ed’s great sense of humor, endless smile and unforgettable laugh will be forever missed by everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his son Justin Halverson of Hartford, SD; special friend Barb Rinehart of Arthur, NE; brother John (Christina) Halverson of Lennox, SD; sisters Margo (Lyle) Berens of Parker, SD and Lisa Medena of Tea, SD; aunts Patty Halverson of Madison, SD and Mary Halverson of Yankton, SD; Justin Suhn of Arthur; Todd, Wendy, Slate and Zoey Suhn of Hermosa, SD; Randy, Karie, Kail, Shahayla and Tiayla Suhn of Riverton, WY; Beau, Jerrian and Cye Franzen of Sidney, MT. He was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Betty Halverson, infant son Cory Halverson and his grandparents and two uncles.
Memorials may be made to the Tri County Special Olympics or the Scotland Rodeo Club in his memory. The Gubser Funeral Home of Ogallala and the Black Hills Funeral Home of Sturgis, SD are in charge of arrangements.