Jerome "Jerry" Halvorson

Jerome “Jerry” Halvorson, age 85, passed away peacefully in the early morning of February 24, 2026. Jerry deeply cared for his family and found great joy in family get-togethers throughout the years.

Jerry is survived by his two brothers, Duane and David Halvorson. Also surviving is his former wife, Alice Kleven and their five children, Laura (Terry) Bartsch, Brenda (Jerry) Smith, Susie (Jeff) Flynn, Joe (Shannon) Halvorson, and JJ Halvorson; and his nine grandchildren, Anna and Joshua Bartsch, Neftali and Elijah Medina, Isaac and Marcus Flynn, Amelia and Joey Halvorson, and Annabelle Halvorson.

Born in Brainerd, MN, to Joe and Lillian Halvorson, Jerry grew up on farms across Minnesota and Wisconsin before settling in Luck, WI. After graduating from Luck High School with honors, he pursued an extensive academic career, earning a Bachelor of Science from UW-River Falls, a Master’s degree from the University of Iowa, and a PhD in Speech Science, Pathology, and Audiology from the University of Minnesota in 1968.

As an undergraduate, Jerry was a formidable athlete, lettering in track, cross country, and wrestling. He won an all-state championship title in wrestling and was proudly inducted into the UW-River Falls Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987.

Jerry dedicated 32 years of his professional life as a distinguished Professor at UW-River Falls in the Department of Communicative Disorders. His work profoundly impacted the lives of many people who stutter and the clinicians he trained. Even in retirement, Jerry remained a mentor, writing books and articles and leading a monthly stuttering support group at the university.

Horses were the constant thread through Jerry’s life. "I'd be away in college, but I'd still go home on weekends and mess with horses," he often recalled. His horse farm on the river in Hager City, WI, became a destination for many—whether they were looking for a horse or just stopping by for a visit. Locally, Jerry found great fulfillment in the United Lutheran Church, his weekly men’s group, his daily workouts and conversations at the Red Wing YMCA, and spending time with his long-time companion Pat Welke.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at United Lutheran Church in Red Wing, with Reverend Justin Boeding officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel in Red Wing, and at the church for one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the United Lutheran Church or the Red Wing YMCA.