Irene P. Halverson

Irene Halverson, 83, passed away on April 30, 2006, at Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Born August 1, 1922 on a homestead near Angela, Montana, she was the daughter of Peter Kohn (from Wisconsin) and Emily Fandrich (a German immigrant from Russia). Irene grew up on the family farm on the plains of east-central Montana, attending a one-room schoolhouse two miles from home. She had to live in Miles City to attend the closest high school, 45 miles away, where she worked for her room and board, doing the washing, ironing, and housekeeping for a family of seven. After graduating in 1939, she attended a local business college and found work as a secretary in Miles City. After World War II broke out, Irene and her girlfriend decided to move to Seattle, share an apartment, and find employment. This is where Irene met her husband, Don (also from Montana), who was attending the University of Washington after being discharged from the Army. They were married on December 29, 1951 in Seattle, just after Don was called back to military duty for the Korean war. They moved to Bethesda, Maryland, where Don was stationed until his final military discharge in 1955. With a degree in geology, the only work Don could find was in Montana with Texaco. So in one of life's little ironies, both natives of Montana returned to their home state, and settled in Lewistown. In 1957, their son Marc, was born, followed by their daughter Tracy, in 1959. A month after Tracy was born, Don was transferred by Texaco to Denver for 7 years, then to Farmington, New Mexico for 2-1/2 years, then back to Denver to stay, residing in the suburb of Lakewood. Irene was proud of her profession as homemaker and was an outstanding cook, always pleased to share her baking with family and friends. Over the years, she enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, canning fruits and vegetables, sewing, upholstery, needlework, crafts, playing bridge, and reading. She served as a Cub Scout Den Mother and worked part time as an Avon lady. A favorite social activity for over 20 years was the monthly gatherings of the Potluck Dinner group. Irene and her family enjoyed camping and fishing trips throughout the west and more than 15 years of summer getaways to the family's mountain property near Gore Pass. In retirement, Don and Irene traveling extensively with their 5th wheel trailer and spent 17 winters in Tucson, AZ. Together they visited every state except Alaska. Irene also enjoyed attending Don's annual World War II veterans reunions in various cities around the country. In 1980 they went to Palermo, Sicily, with a group of veterans and were able to see where Don landed in Sicily and hold the American flag on the same spot. Irene is survived by her husband, Donald; her son, Marc Halverson of Lancaster, CA; her daughter, Tracy (Russ) Burdick of Lakewood, CO; and her one granddaughter, Krista. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Lawrence. Visitation Thursday, 6:00 - 8:00 P.M., Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd. Funeral Service Friday, 10:00 A.M., Lutheran Church of the Master, 14099 West Jewell Avenue. Interment Fort Logan National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations suggested to charity of choice.