George “Doug” Halonen

Obituary

George “Doug” Douglas Halonen was born on September 14, 1942, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was the son of Charles and Tyyne (Oikelmus) Halonen. Doug was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth. He graduated from White Bear Lake High School in 1960. Doug continued his education at the University of Minnesota and graduated with a Doctorate of Education Degree. He was a Bush Fellow and a Fulbright Scholar.

Doug was united in marriage to Martha Nevala. This marriage was blessed with five children, Anne, Caroline, Tim, Terry, and Nora. Doug and Martha resided in Cokato. They shared 54 years of marriage. Doug was grateful for unconditional (health) care and support from his wife for decades of marriage.

In 1967, George was employed as an instructor at Ridgewater College in Hutchinson. He had a passion for education and George did his Doctoral Thesis in support of virtual learning. He represented USA as Fulbright Scholar Education Delegate in Germany. In 2002, he retired as a Dean of Students. George said he never worked a day in his life. Warren Macemon was an important mentor in George’s professional life. George also served as a Lutheran lay pastor for over 35 years.

Doug loved traveling, growing strawberries, and socializing. He especially enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

Doug passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2017, at his home, at the age of 74 years. Blessed be his memory.

Doug is survived by his:
Wife, Martha Halonen;
Daughter, Anne Heier (Duane), Children: Kelli, Karl, Kate, and Shawn;
Daughter, Caroline Rice, Children: Kristina, Lauren, Tommy, Jayson, and Annelise;
Son, Terry Halonen, Children: Katrina and Brian;
Son, Tim Halonen (Wendy), Children: Taylor, Nolan, Larce, Landon;
Daughter, Nora Prodzinski (Kirk), Children: Grant, Karson, and Quinn;
Sisters, Gladys Kariniemi,
             Sylvia Muhonen and her husband, Wally,
             Virginia Lehtola and her husband, Ernie,
             Lillian Ylitalo;
Brothers, Fred Halonen and his wife, Thelma,
                Ed Halonen and his wife, Connie,
                Ray Halonen and his wife, Betty,
                Don Halonen and his wife, Florence,
Step-Brother, Bob Jurmu and his wife, Mim,
Brothers-In-Law, Paul Raisanen,
                           Jerry Anderson;
Sister-In-Law, Lorraine Hilluka;
Many dear brothers and sisters in faith, hundreds of cherished nieces and nephews, twenty God children, and many beloved in-laws;

Special heartfelt thank you to Doug’s sister-in-law, Trudy Kilpela and her husband, Fred for the constant love, support and assistance during Doug’s illness the past 20 years.

Doug is preceded in death by his Parents, Charles and Tyyne (Oikelmus) Halonen; Step-Mother, Anna Jurmu; Brothers, Paul Halonen and Carl Halonen; Sisters, Judy Mattila and her husband, Mervin, Mildred Raisanen, and Sharen Anderson; Brothers-In-Law, Paul Kariniemi, and Paul Ylitalo; Sister-In-Law, Eunice Halonen; Step-Brother, Clifford Jurmu.

Heartfelt thanks to the University of Minnesota Transplant Team, especially to Dr. Hassan and Dr. Junghare. We are forever grateful to Wendy for the gift of life.