Merlin "Speed" Halvorson Obituary (1932 - 2015)

Merlin “Speed” Halvorson, age 82, of Menomonie, passed away quietly Monday, July 13, 2015 at the Mayo Clinic Health System-Red Cedar. Speed was born on November 15, 1932 in Menomonie to Ole and Mabel (Klingenberg) Halvorson. He grew up on North Shore Drive and graduated from Menomonie High School in 1952. Speed married Eileen Myrick of Elk Mound in 1954 and had two sons, Mark and Jay. Speed later married Susan Vasey of Menomonie in 1965 and had a daughter, Christa. He worked for the Kraft State Bank as a teller from the mid 50’s. The bank became United Bank in the early 70’s and Speed continued his service through 1980 as a loan officer. From 1980 through 1983, he and family moved to Inverness Florida where they bought and operated The Family Tree Restaurant. Speed and Susan sold the business in 1983 and returned to Menomonie. He was employed in the payroll department at the Dunn County Healthcare Center until 1990. Speed enjoyed playing golf and dedicated much of his time on the course. He was also an avid enthusiast of building and flying remote controlled aircraft. Speed served his country in the National Guard Reserves for 13 years and served 1 year and 4 month active duty at Fort Lewis and the Yakima training grounds in Washington State. Speed is survived by his son Mark Halvorson of University Place, WA, a daughter Christa Halvorson of San Antonio, TX, a brother Larry (Millie) Halvorson of Menomonie and a grandson Brady Woldseth. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relative and friends. Speed was preceded in passing by his parents Ole and Mabel, a son Jay, two sisters Beatrice Miller and Minda Keyes and a brother John. Graveside services will be held at 11:00am Friday, July 17, 2015 at Froen Cemetery, town of Red Cedar, Dunn Co, with Pastor Dale Moe officiating. Family and friends are welcome to gather for a light lunch after the ceremony at Little Elk Creek Church.