Jerome Sondre Halvorson

Jerome Sondre Halvorson, Jr., 57, was born April 14, 1965, to Jerome and Jean (Peterson) Halvorson in Lanesboro, Minn. He graduated from Lanesboro High School in 1983 and continued his education at Rochester Area Vocational-Technical Institute, graduating with his associate’s degree in Electronic Technician in 1985. He continued his love for construction until his sudden passing July 19, 2022, in the San Jose area of California, on his 27th sobriety anniversary.

Jerome married Kimberly (Kim) Smith on May 1, 1999. They had one daughter, Kiah, on May 12, 1994. He loved spending time with his friends, family, most recently his younger nieces and nephews, and spoiling his granddog Ovi. Jerome’s life changed July 19, 1995, as he began living his life through the program of Alcoholics Anonymous.

When Jerome wasn’t working or building houses on the side, he spent many days at the Lanesboro Golf Course. He spent a few years on the board there, volunteered his time after the Men’s Tournament to help with the Calcutta (even though he was “going to sell everything and quit” the game every year), and always showed his patience during the Child/Adult Tournament. Unfortunately for Kim, Kiah took precedence as the passenger on his 100th Edition Road King Classic, traveling together for day trips or on fundraiser runs for Ronald McDonald, Bikes for Barker, or Toys for Tots. One of his newest hobbies was spending time at the race track, usually Mississippi Thunder Speedway, but you really never knew where he would show up in the country.

Those that knew Jerome will miss his quick wit, perfectionism, his phenomenal ability to remember details (such as who graduated when and who was in each graduating class) and compassion for others. He knew what to say at any given moment whether it be for advice, comic relief, or to quote the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. He was always available to lend a helping hand when he wasn’t busy riding motorcycles, golfing, working, or engaging in fellowship of AA.

Jerome is survived by his loving wife Kim, their daughter, Kiah (Josh Twite), his rescue dogs Neuma and Zeus, and his spoiled granddog Ovi. Other survivors include uncles Dale (Sue) Peterson and Johnny Halvorson, cousins Annette (Victor) Igbinovia, Jason (Michele) Peterson, Gina (Shawn) Wibben, Justin Peterson, Leigh (Gail) Ginter, Dennis (Michelle) Ginter, Rachel (David) Selin, and Naomi Ginter; mother and father-in-law Tom and Carolyn Smith, sisters-in-law Susan (Sterling) Stoker and Lori (Jeremy) Keller, brother-in-law John (Brittany) Smith, niece Madalyn Keller, and nephews Cooper, Oakley, and Tucker Smith and Hudson Keller.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Jerome and Jean Halvorson, grandparents, uncles and aunts, and beloved dog Keesha.

Memorial service will take place on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at 1 p.m. at the Whalan Lutheran Church followed by fellowship at the Rustic Hearth Event Center in Whalan, Minn.  Visitation service will be Saturday, July 30, 2022, at the Whalan Lutheran Church from 1-4 p.m. 

Riley Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the Halvorson family with arrangements.  Online condolences are welcome at rileyfuneralhomes.com