John Sverre Halvorson, known affectionately as Grandpa John, passed away September 8, 2026, after a long and full life rooted in faith, community, and deep devotion to those he loved. Born January 19, 1939, on a farm in Big Bend Township, Chippewa County, John was the first child and only son of Palmer and Lavina (Eide) Halvorson.
John grew up on the family farm north of Montevideo, where he developed a lifelong love of animals and agriculture. He was active in 4-H, showing livestock at county and state fairs and forming early leadership skills that would shape his future career.
He attended country school before graduating from Milan High School in 1956, where he participated in football, basketball, band, choir, the school newspaper, and Future Farmers of America, earning the State FFA Degree—the first student from Milan to do so. John continued his education at the University of Minnesota, earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry and a Master of Arts in Public Administration. He was a lifelong Minnesota Gopher and Big Ten fan.
In 1959, at a student mixer, John met Janet Stark, the woman who would become the love of his life. They married on June 6, 1964, beginning a partnership marked by devotion, shared purpose, and a deep commitment to family and community. John dedicated his career to agricultural education and service. He worked as a County Extension Agent in several Minnesota counties, supporting youth through 4-H and strengthening rural communities. He later served as Director of Agronomy Services for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and became the first General Manager of the Minnesota Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA).
A lifelong Rotarian, John served as District Governor for Rotary District 5950 in 1998–99, traveling widely and building relationships across the country and world. His service earned numerous honors, including the National DHIA Martin A. Wilson Memorial Award (1996), the Minnesota DHIA Distinguished Service Award (1998), the Buffalo Chamber of Commerce Honored Citizen (2001), and the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service (2002). John was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow.
John and Jan raised three children—Jason, Juhl, and Jolyn—instilling in them the same values of integrity, curiosity, and compassion that guided his own life. He was immensely proud of their accomplishments and the families they built.
Nothing brought John more joy than his grandchildren: Kaitlyn, John, Samuel, Mya, and Leah. He spoke often about them, celebrating their personalities, talents, and the happiness they brought into his life.
John’s life was defined by service, humility, humor, and gratitude. He cherished his roots, his community, and the generations that followed him. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, leadership, and love that will continue to guide all who knew him.
A special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff from the neuro intensive care unit at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, St. Croix Hospice and Parkview Care Center.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Palmer and Lavina, wife Jan, sisters-in-law Phyllis Ede and Charleen Stark; brothers-in-law LeRoy Stark and Ron Ochsendorf.
He leaves behind his children, Jason (Ellen), Juhl (Marla), and Jolyn; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, John, Sam, Mya and Leah; sister Mary Ochsendorf; brother-in-law Robert Ede; many nieces, nephews and friends.
A funeral service will be held September 12, 2026, with visitation from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., funeral service to follow at 10 a.m., Zion Lutheran Church, 1200 Hwy 25, Buffalo, MN. Memorials preferred to the Zion Cemetery Fund or the Rotary International Foundation.
The service will be livestreamed on Zion Church’s YouTube account and can be accessed through this link.
Condolences on the passing of your dad Dr. H. Sounds like he lived in amazing life. I know he did a good job raising his son. I’m sure he was very proud. Valerie and Peter Giguere
John and JAn were special friends to MArlene and myself. I will miss him very much. So sorry to all of you. Rolf
I met John from his involvement in Rotary… I will remember him as a man that always took the time to visit… was compassionate and a man of integrity… you can see that in his children as well, May Gods love surround the family and give you peace as you celebrate John’s life.
I will remember John for his warm and friendly smile and faithful service to Zion and community.
Jolyn and family
My sincere condolences in the loss of your dad!!
2 memories of John: tipping over in his chair on the beach at Burros in PVR. Second memory is John leaning against the elevator buttons and stopping on all 23 floors on the way up to the condo.
Funny memories of a good man. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Sorry for your loss
My connection with John through DHI
And Zion Choir brings back lots of memories. RIP
Nick and I are so sorry for your loss. John was a wonderful man and I enjoyed working with him at Wild Marsh. With our deepest sympathy to the whole family.
Jason, July and Jolyn, my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the passing of your dad.
Sharon
My sympathy to John’s family. I could not attend the funeral due to family commitments.
I first met John at a social event when Jan and I were both teachers at Maple Lake High School. I soon discovered we worshipped at the same church.
John was dedicated to his family and his faith….a good role model.
God bless his memory.
I first met the man In 1976 when my dad helped me buy a 63 falcon from him.Then we reconnected in 2024 when my wife and I got the chance to make music for him and others at Havenwood.I liked his sense of humor which he passed on to Jason.
Dear Juhl, Jason and Jolyn,
We at Minnesota DHIA send our deepest condolences to you with the loss of your dad. We thank him for his many years of service and leadership. May the memories you made together bring you comfort today and in the days ahead.
Your friends at Minnesota Dairy Herd Improvement Association