Richard Halldorson

Richard J. Halldorson ,88, of Cavalier, ND died on Sunday, July 18, 2010, at the Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, July 22, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Brigid of Ireland Catholic Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 21st from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Jensen-Askew Funeral Home, Cavalier, ND. Visitation at the church for one hour before the time of services. Burial in the St. Ellen's Cemetery.
Bjarni Richard J. Halldorson was born January 18, 1922, to Fred and Gunnell (Bjarnason) Halldorson. He was raised on the family farm and learned work ethics early the hard way. Richard graduated as Valedictorian from Mountain High School in 1939, and attended U.N.D. In 1941, the "winds of war" were gathering, so he, along with many local youths went to California to work for aviation manufacturers. Richard went to work for Lockheed Aircraft Company, where he participated in the final assembly of the Vega Ventura Aircraft, which he later flew in the U.S. Navy. He was accepted as a Naval Cadet in 1942, received his gold wings in July 1944, and assigned to the Pacific for the duration of World War II. After the war Richard returned to North Dakota and began a long career in aviation which culminated in his induction into the North Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame in 2004. He started an aerial spraying business in 1948 in Hensel, ND. On April 15, 1950, he married Ellyn Brown at Cavalier. In 1960, he moved the business and this became Cavalier Air Service which is still in operation today. Richard served as an officer in the North Dakota Aerial Applicator's Association. After he and wife Ellyn retired from Cavalier Air Service, son John and wife, Alice, along with Chief Pilot Steve Karel operated the business until selling it in 2007. In his words "That made all the effort worthwhile".
Richard was a lifelong member of the American Legion, where he was commander of both the Mountain and Cavalier Posts. Throughout his life, he made a great effort to honor Veterans by attending their funerals and through Memorial Day Observances. The Legion, along with the many close friends who were also members, was a big part of his life. He took an active interest in local issues such as participating as a member of the Cavalier Improvement Association.
He is survived by his wife, Ellyn; children, Mary Ellen (Thomas) McKnight, and John (Alice) Halldorson, all of Midland, TX, and Michael Halldorson, Cavalier; grandchildren, Stephenie (McKnight) Husband, Marcy (McKnight) Darsey, Chris Halldorson, Michael T. Halldorson, and Brandon Hallquist; great grandchildren, Patrick and Peyton Husband, Drew and Jacob Darsey, and Haven Halldorson. Richard's wife, Ellyn was the oldest of seven children so he "adopted" her six siblings as brothers and sisters as well. He is survived by several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. In addition, he considered Steve and Penny Karel, Jerry and Brenda Sagert, and Pastor Beth Peterson and their children as part of his extended family.
Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Ernest Halldorson and Marvin and wife Thorey Halldorson; sisters, Laufey and husband Fridjon Thorliefson and Violet and husband John Berndson.
Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Robert Pecotte.
Music: Ashley Ford, Soloist; Larry Collins, Organist.
Casket Bearers: Trevor Christianson, Donald Cox, Tom Ford, Arni Johnson, Howard Kaercher, Rick Letsing, and Lee Menzies.
Military Rites: Lavern J. Thompson Post #11, Cavalier American Legion