The Mass of Christian Burial for Cecilia Ann (Riepe) Halvorson, 81, of Stewartville, Minn., will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 4, 2018, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Stewartville, Minn., with Rev. John Wilmot officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Mrs. Halvorson died on Tuesday, May 1, 2018, of natural causes at home, surrounded by family. She was thankful for Mayo Clinic physicians and clinical experts for giving her more time with her family during her many years on dialysis.
Cecilia Ann Riepe was born on August 5, 1936, in Ada, Minn., to Frank and Catherine (Byrnes) Riepe. She lived with her family where they farmed for many years, graduated from Ada High School, and moved to Rochester. Cecilia was married on November 17, 1956, in Ada, Minn., to M. Richard “Dick” Halvorson. Following their marriage the couple lived in Harmony, Spring Grove and Chatfield before settling in Stewartville in 1966 where they raised their family and have continued to make their home. Cecilia was a homemaker, and was a daycare provider in her home and an avid gardener. She also helped manage the Halvorson Concession Stand on Main Street with Dick and the kids, which they operated for 14 years. She was known by many as “Mom” while working at the stand and was famous for her Mexiburgers. “Ceil” was a loyal member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and participated in several church activities. She also was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and marched carrying the flag in many parades over the years. She liked fishing and camping in Ely on summer vacations and taking road trips with her family. She loved playing cards and followed the Vikings and Twins. She loved to celebrate in costume for St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween and was known to crash her kids’ parties. She loved crafting and hand-quilting quilts for her family, and recently finished quilts for all 20 of her grandchildren. She enjoyed time spent with friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Cecilia is survived by her family of three daughters and six sons: Dr. Ronald of Brainerd, Minn.; James (Joanne) of Virginia Beach, Va.; Jerry (Melissa) of Kasson; Gary (Chong) of Kaiserslautern, Germany; Cheryl (Charles) Paulson of Rochester; Brian (Karen) Halvorson of Cheyenne, Wyo.; Alan (Kathy) of Keller, Tex.; Karen (Greg) Lange of Spring Valley, Minn.; Kathy(Matt) Voigt of Stewartville; 20 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, one brother and three sisters: George (Susan) Riepe of Richfield, Minn.; Agnes Kolb of Rochester, Minn.; Francine (Richard) and Bergantine of Fargo, N. Dak.; Pauline Toner of Anaheim, Calif. She was preceded in death by her husband M. Richard “Dick,” her parents, two brothers and four sisters, and a daughter-in-law, Jean Hanson Halvorson.
A time of visitation for family and friends will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, 2018, at Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville, Minn., and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday morning. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. On-line condolences are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com.