Jerome Halvorsen
MANISTIQUE — Lifetime Manistique resident, Jerome Halvorsen, age 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 5, 2024, at Schoolcraft County Medical Care Facility with his wife and children beside him. He was born on May 17, 1937, in Manistique, the son of Aldred “Ed” Halvorsen and Melvina “Bourbeau” Halvorsen. He attended Manistique Area Schools as a member of the class of 1956. On May 13, 1961, Jerome married the former Marie Anderson at St. Francis de Sales Church in Manistique.
Jerome served in the United States Army from 1960-1962 and was honorably discharged in September of 1962. He worked as a DNR park ranger and park assistant manager for Indian Lake State Park for 35 years before he retired on April 1, 1994. Jerome had a genuine interest in people and their stories. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life allowed him to form deep and meaningful friendships wherever he went. Jerome was naturally curious and always believed that you never stopped learning. He was a master carpenter who taught himself how to build his own home. In his free time, he enjoyed driving around in his 1953 Ford, woodworking projects, and spending time at hunting camp. He always had a good story to tell and loved to joke around. He didn’t take life too seriously and enjoyed having a house full of laughter. Jerome enriched the lives of those around him and left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him. And to that end, Jerome would say “Tout fini” (all finished)!
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marie Halvorsen; his children, Julie (Randall) Jacobs, Lorie (Jim) Demers, Mark (Beth) Halvorsen, and Kathy Halvorsen; 12 grandchildren, Cady Beyer, Matthew (Taylor) Jacobs, Dustin (Katy) Demers, Kelsey (Kody) Porter, Erin (Logan) Jacobs-Malueg, Emily (Quinton) Camacho, Sarah Jacobs, Douglas (Lexi) Jacobs, Anna Halvorsen, Olivia Jacobs, Evan Halvorsen, Jo McDougle; and seven great-grandchildren, Lilian Porter, Aubrie Beyer, Henry Porter, Karmen Beyer, Watson Porter, Micah Jacobs, and Sullivan Porter. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Aldred “Ed” and Melvina Halvorsen, and his siblings Joseph, Thomas, and Mary Ann Halvorsen.
We want to thank the medical teams at Schoolcraft Medical Care Facility and Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital for all the love, kindness, and great care they provided to Jerome in his final months of life. Thank you to the hospice teams that helped give Jerome and his family all the support and guidance needed during this difficult time. And finally, a special thank you to all the wonderful CNAs who became attached to Jerome. Your connection and the impact you made on him, and his family will forever be cherished.
Memorial donations in Jerome’s honor may be directed to the St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church or Schoolcraft County Medical Care Facility patient activity fund, or Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Hospice Care.
Fausett Family Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.