Mary Halvorson

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Mary Halvorson, 93, a longtime resident of Wakefield, passed away peacefully in her sleep Friday, Nov. 22, 2019.

Mary was born on May 4, 1926, in Hurley, Wis., a daughter of Rade and Antonia Orlich. She attended Wakefield High School and graduated in 1944.

On Nov. 9, 1946, Mary married the love of her life, Vernie J. Halvorson, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wakefield. They were blessed with five children, and celebrated nearly 53 years of marriage before his passing on Aug. 26, 1999.

For many years, Mary and Vernie were the proprietors of Club 28 in Wakefield, and were very well known in the area for their delicious home made pizzas and Friday night fish fries.

Mary was a faithful member of All Saints Lutheran Church in Wakefield and its woman's circle and a dedicated member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 in Wakefield. When called upon, she was happy to work on the Wakefield Election Board.

Mary was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, enjoyed playing bingo and took pleasure watching her two sons perform with Marty's Goldenaires.

Mary is survived by her five children, JoAnn (Roger) Colgin, Robert (Laureen) and Rod (Holly), all of Bessemer, Mary Jane, Wakefield, and Kim, Green Bay, Wis .; eight cherished grandchildren, Jodi (Robert) Corullo, Jami (Dwight) Goodman, Kristin Halvorson, Eric (Stacy), Brady (Gina), Bobbi Jo, Karianne and Brian (Kelsey); nine dear great-grandchildren; six precious great-great-grandchildren; five brothers, Robert Orlich and Rudy Orlich, both of Wakefield, Joe Orlich, Milwaukee, Richard Orlich, Belen, N.M., and Frank (Virginia) Orlich, Milwaukee; a sister, Angie Zaicek, Vernon, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, Vernie, she was predeceased by her parents; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Alma Halvorson; her son-in-law, James DelFavero; three brothers and four sisters-in law, Mike and Flora Orlich, George and Blanche Orlich, Louie and Maureen Orlich and Bonnie Orlich; a nephew, Guy Orlich; a niece, Diane Hogan; her sister-in-law, Adelaide (Tom) Smith; and her two brothers-in-law, Howard (Carrie) Stavedahl and Ronald Zaicek.

Cremation will take place.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 30, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 9:30 a.m., at All Saints Lutheran Church, 1202 Putnam St., in Wakefield, with the Rev. Bill Jacobson officiating.

Luncheon will be served at the church fellowship hall following the service.

Interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield, in the spring.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at both Sky View Nursing Center and Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate and professional care and the many kindnesses extended to the family.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.