Eric Halvorsen

Eric L. Halvorsen, age 96 of Sheridan, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2019 under the loving care of his family and Spectrum Hospice.

Born in Traverse City, Eric moved to Sheridan in 1956 and has been a pillar of the community ever since. Eric proudly served his country during WWII in the U.S. Navy. After his discharge, Eric attended Michigan State University and earned a degree in Dairy Husbandry. Eric served as Commander for the Sheridan VFW Post 5065, Commander of VFW District Nine and also Commander of the State VFW, he was also selected as an All-American District Commander and All-American State Commander. Eric served as a trustee for four years at Montcalm Community College. Throughout his lifetime, Eric was very active in the Sheridan VFW Post and served as chairman for many committees, headed up lots of projects, and held a variety of offices. Eric’s impact on the Sheridan community and surrounding areas will be felt for a long time and he will be greatly missed by everyone.

Surviving Eric are his daughters, Sue Halvorsen of San Francisco, California; Sandra Gasper of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; sons, Triston (Tana) Halvorsen of Traverse City; Mark (Diana) Halvorsen of Carson City; stepdaughters, Jean Petersen of the Upper Peninsula; Janet Baxter of Fenwick; grandchildren, Matt Jenks of Phoenix, Arizona; Shawn Jenks of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Brent Gasper of Marion, Iowa; Nicole Wade of Traverse City; Carrie DenHerder of Grand Rapids; Bill Beck of San Jose, California; Scott Halvorsen of Williamsburg; Mark Halvorsen of Williamsburg; Erica Halvorsen-Harrell of Crystal; Derek Halvorsen of Crystal; Kristen Campbell of Lansing; twenty-two great grandchildren; ten great great grandchildren and sister-in-law, Wanda Halvorsen of Traverse City.

Eric was preceded in death by his parents, Fritz & Melvina (Lyon) Halvorsen; wives, Beulah Halvorsen and Dolores Halvorsen; son, Rick Halvorsen; brother, Lars and sister, Sonja.

Visitation for Eric is being held on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 from 1-3 PM and 5-8 PM at the Simpson Family Funeral Home in Sheridan (246 S. Main Street).

Funeral services for Eric will be on Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at the Simpson Family Funeral Home in Sheridan, beginning at 11 AM with Pastor Phil Van Dop officiating. Graveside services with full Military Honors being held at Evergreen Cemetery.

For those wanting to make a memorial donation in Eric’s memory, you are asked to direct them to the Sheridan VFW Foodbank. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.