Myron Halstenson

Myron Halstenson, age 89, of Grand Forks, and formerly of Niagara, ND, passed away Saturday, November 2, 2013 at Valley 4000 in Grand Forks, ND.
Myron was born August 18, 1924, the son of Adolph and Hanna (Skibstad) Halstenson of rural Niagara, ND. His education began at District 81 Niagara Township, Grand Forks County in the fall of 1930 and he graduated from Niagara High School (District 116) with the class of 1941. He attended Mayville State Teacher College one year and was the school teacher at Nash No. 2 north of Petersburg, ND for one year. He entered the US Army Air Corps in December of 1943 and served in Italy as a ball turret gunner in a B-24, flying 26 combat missions. He was discharged in January of 1946 at the rank of Staff Sergeant. He attended the University of North Dakota the school year of 1946-47.
Myron married Opal Irene Johnson at Quale Lutheran Church, rural Fordville, ND, on June 22 of 1952. They farmed near Niagara, ND until moving into Niagara in 1957 when he was appointed Postmaster. Myron's career with the Postal Service spanned more than 30 years, 28 of those years as Postmaster at Niagara. He retired in 1985. He also was state president of the ND Branch of the National League of Postmasters in 1967.
Myron was a member of W.L. Cowper Post 238 of the American Legion, Michigan, ND where he served as Post Commander in 1968. He was also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, life member of the National Rifle Association, member of the Sons of Norway, and lifelong active member of Elk Valley Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed.
Myron was known for his sharing of stories and gift of music, playing harmonica and piano.
Myron is survived by son John (Sherri) Halstenson and daughter Myrna (Doug) Runyan, all of Grand Forks; six grandchildren: Jen (Alex) Starcevic, Jason (Mandy) Runyan, Eric (Aimee) Halstenson, Christina (Kaleb) Hartje, Jill Halstenson (fiancée Will Slocum), and Mark (Courtney) Runyan; and six great grandchildren: Cameron & Abby Runyan, Jake, Luke and Kaja Starcevic, Knox Hartje; and many nieces and nephews.
Myron was preceded in death by his wife Opal in 2006; parents; sister: Inez Solseng; brothers: Robert, Earl and Gordon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to the charity of your choice.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 7 at Elk Valley Lutheran Church of rural McCanna.

INTERNMENT: Elk Valley Church Cemetery

MILITARY HONORS: W. L. Cowper Post No. 238, Michigan American Legion, and North Dakota National Guard Honors Team. TAPS will be played by Mark Runyan.

VISITATION: 5-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service on Wednesday, November 6 in the Bakke Funeral Home of Larimore. Visitation will also be for one hour prior to the funeral in the church on Thursday.