\"   Thief River Falls – William “Bill” Halbasch, 80, died on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at First Care Hospital in Fosston.
  Funeral services were held  on Saturday, January 20, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, with Rev. Mark Helgeland officiating. Casket bearers included Jan Nordin, Dick Reger, Dale Dillon, Greg Brekke, Kenny Poole and Don Wahlbeck. Interment was held at Oak Ridge Cemetery, rural Thief River Falls.
         William A. (Bill) Halbasch was born on May 31, 1926 in Thief River Falls, the son of Theodore and Sara Grace (White) Halbasch.  Bill was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He grew up and attended country school and helped on the family farm.
     On October 12, 1947, Bill was united in marriage to Joyce D. Olson at Oak Ridge Lutheran Church. To this union, four children were born. In 1947, Bill began employment with Land O’ Lakes, where he worked for twenty years.  He also worked at Arctic Cat and his last employment was with Forsberg’s Inc., Thief River Falls, until his retirement in 1996.
     Bill was a long time member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.  He served on the church council when Redeemer Lutheran Church was dedicated in December of 1966.  He was also active in the Christian Renewal Group (Cursillo). He enjoyed watching and listening to the Minnesota Twins, attending auctions, and working in his garden.
     He leaves behind wonderful memories for his family to cherish and countless examples of love, kindness, and commitment. His journey through life was greatly enhanced and blessed by his loving wife of 59 years, his children and grandchildren.
     Bill is survived by his wife, Joyce of Thief River Falls; one son, Bruce (Trish) Halbasch of Apple Valley; two daughters, Nancy (Jeff) Hendrickson of Thief River Falls and Jane (Daniel) Aandal of Thief River Falls; nine grandchildren; brothers, Charles (Leona) Halbasch of Kelowna, B. C., Canada, Lee Roy (Vonnie) Halbasch of Aloha, Ore., Robert (Lynne) Halbasch of Pahrump, Nev., and Howard Halbasch of Carson City, Nev.; one sister, Pauline (Duane) Vatsaas of Thief River Falls; and several nieces and nephews.
     Bill was preceded in death by one son, Wayne Allan Halbasch on February 11, 2005; great-granddaughter, Destiny Lynn Kilen; his parents; and his grandparents.
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