John Halverson, 79, Flaxton, died Monday, August 20, 2012, in his home after a courageous battle with cancer with his family by his side.

John was born October 16, 1932, in Flaxton, ND to Lawrence and Ilo (Wood) Halverson. He was raised and educated in the community of Flaxton, spending several of his early childhood years with the Monson family.

John entered active duty service in the US Navy on April 10, 1950. He served aboard the USS Rowan and was awarded the Navy Occupation, China and Korean Service Medals for his honorable service. John was discharged on August 10, 1953.

Following his military service, John returned to Flaxton, where he was joined in marriage to Marian Carter on November 26, 1954. They made their lifelong home in Flaxton. He managed the Flaxton Elevator for 14 years and spent many years in the oil field as a truck driver, employed by Power Fuels.

John owned several thoroughbred horses over the years, often enjoying watching them race in Minnesota, Montana and Canada. Winnipeg was most often the venue he would watch them run with his son, Brad, who also trained the horses and shared his passion of horseracing.

John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He loved to entertain and play guitar, a talent passed down through the generations of the Halverson family. John also attended all of their school and sporting events, rarely missing an activity. He carried a membership to the Flaxton American Legion for many years.

His loving family includes his children, Brad (Tammy) Halverson, Brett (Christie) Halverson, and Brenda (Jeff) Kalmbach, all of Flaxton, ND; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Bud (Mavis) Halverson, Minot, ND and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Marian, stepfather, Bill Eiler, sisters and brother-in-law, Janet and David Legler, Bonnie Tappley and Pat Walter and brother, Gordon Halverson.

At John's request, there will not be any public services.
Interment: Flaxton Community Cemetery, Flaxton, ND.