Richard LeRoy Halterman

Richard L. Halterman, age 94, of Willmar, passed away Friday morning, January 3, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar.  Military honors will be provided by the Willmar American Legion Post #167.  Interment will be at a later date in the church cemetery.  Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

Richard LeRoy Halterman was born on September 3, 1930, in Maxwell, Iowa, the son of William and Lillian (Nygren) Halterman.  He grew up in Bird Island and graduated from high school with a G.E.D.  He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served 4 years aboard the U.S.S. Shelton (a destroyer) and 1 1/2 years in the Korean War, earning 3 engagement stars.

On March 28, 1953, Richard married Betty J. Martins.  They moved from California and made their home in Willmar.  Richard worked for over 33 years as a heavy equipment and field mechanic for MN DOT, retiring in 1987.

Richard was a member of the American Legion Post, V.F.W., Church of St. Mary and Knights of Columbus.  He served on the MN State Employees Union as a board member and treasurer for the 10,000 Union Members.  His life of service also included serving on the Willmar City Council in Ward 1 for 22 years.  He was a proud and active member of AA for almost a half century.

Richard enjoyed all outdoor activities and traveling.  He especially enjoyed building dirt track race cars and had many championship seasons.  He was an avid fisherman and hunter.  He holds the record for the biggest buck harvested by archery in Kandiyohi County.

He is survived by his three children, Richard Jr. (and Esther) Halterman of Montevideo, Michael (and Dianne) Halterman of Grove City and Dawn (and James) Bombeck of Hutchinson; four grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and four step-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; his parents; five brothers and three sisters.