Robert J. Halverson

Stoughton - Robert J. Halverson, age 68, lifelong resident of Stoughton, died unexpectedly of natural causes on Sunday, August 30, 2009 while vacationing in Tomah.  He was born in Stoughton on April 10, 1941, a son of the late John and Jeanette (Feggestad) Halverson.  Bob was raised in the Town of Dunkirk with his family and graduated from Stoughton High School in 1959.  For 40 years prior to his retirement he was employed as a Heavy Equipment Operating Engineer #139 and #150 in Wisconsin and Illinois.  Bob was a member of First Lutheran Church and was married on December 22, 1962 to the former Linda Heding of Union Center.  In recent years following his retirement Bob enjoyed working on the farm of Merle Skjolaas in the Town of Dunkirk where he spent many happy hours.  He also enjoyed camping with his family, hunting, fishing, biking and bird watching in Wisconsin and while wintering in Texas.  Refurbishing tractors was a hobby of Bob's and he spent many hours in his shop.  Spending time with his family was at the top of his priorities, especially with his grandchildren.  Bob is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Angela (Randy) Hjortland, John (Marie) Halverson, Chris (Rachelle) Halverson, all of Stoughton; seven grandchildren, Andrew, Daniel and Samuel Hjortland, Alyssa and Bradley Halverson and Taylour and Paige Halverson; two sisters, Diane Hoffman of Florida and Judy (Steve) Grady of Stoughton.  He was preceded in death by two half sisters, Lorraine Evenson and Virgene Holman.  Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at First Lutheran Church, 310 Washington Street, Stoughton, with Rev. Richard Halom officiating.  Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery.  Friends and relatives are invited to a luncheon following the burial at the Stoughton Legion Hall, 803 North Page Street.  Visitation from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral Home, Stoughton, and from 10:00 AM until the time of service at church on Thursday.  Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial in Bob's name in lieu of flowers.