William Bill Halbasch, 80, died on Wednesday, January 17, 2007 at First Care Hospital in Fosston, MN.

Funeral service will be at 9:30 A.M. on Saturday, January 20, 2007 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Mark Helgeland officiating. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery, rural Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Friday, January 19, 2007 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a 7:00 P.M. Prayer Service on Friday evening and also at the church for one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

William A. (Bill) Halbasch was born on May 31, 1926 in Thief River Falls, MN, 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 Forsbergs 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, MN; one son, Bruce (Trish) Halbasch of Apple Valley, MN; two daughters: Nancy (Jeff) Hendrickson of Thief River Falls, MN and Jane (Daniel) Aandal of Thief River Falls, MN; nine grandchildren: Ryan and Kari Jo Halbasch, Brian, Ashley and Blake Halbasch, Carisa and Cami Hendrickson, Beth and Tyler Aandal; brothers: Charles (Leona) Halbasch of Kelowna, B. C., Canada, Lee Roy (Vonnie) Halbasch of Aloha, OR, Robert (Lynne) Halbasch of Pahrump, NV, and Howard Halbasch of Carson City, NV; one sister, Pauline (Duane) Vatsaas of Thief River Falls, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death one son, Wayne Allan Halbasch on February 11, 2005; great granddaughter, Destiny Lynn Kilen; his parents; and his grandparents.

Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

SPECIAL MUSIC: Greg Dally and Paula Adamson
SELECTIONS
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Day By Day and Great Is Thy Faithfulness
CASKETBEARERS: Jan Nordin, Dick Reger, Dale Dillon, Greg Brekke, Kenny Poole and Don Wahlbeck