Cora Jean Halvorson, 85, of Missouri Valley, passed away on Jan. 8, 2024, at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln, Neb. Services were held on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Missouri Valley.
Cora was born on Jan. 7, 1939, in Chicago, Ill., to Bob and Evelyn (Caselli) Akerman. At the age of 10, the family moved to Evansville, Ind. and eventually to Marengo, where Cora graduated from Marengo High School. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree at Iowa State Teacher’s College and taught second grade for 30 years within the Iowa public school system.
On Aug. 12, 1961, Cora was united in marriage to Ron Halvorson at the Methodist Church in Marengo. Although Cora and Ron had been high school classmates, they didn’t begin dating until college, when friends of theirs suggested that they would make a great match. They were married for 62 years.
Cora and Ron were blessed with two children, Eric and Melinda. The couple moved to Missouri Valley in 1970, where they made their home and raised their family. Cora was a long-time member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and sang in the church choir. She enjoyed playing bridge with friends and was an active member of P.E.O. and the Lion’s Club.
Cora’s favorite activities included reading, traveling, going on cruises, and camping in their RV. She especially cherished time spent with her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband, Ronald Halvorson of Missouri Valley; son Eric and his wife, Angela Laurio of Danbury, Conn.; daughter Melinda and her husband Matt Stoner of Blair, Neb.; grandchildren Colton Stoner of Albuquerque, N.M.; Dalton Stoner of Blair; sister, Donna Akerman of Omaha, Neb.; dear friend, Chris Summers of Omaha; and many other relatives and friends.
Cora was preceded in death by her parents.
Pastor Jean McCartney officiated and Carole Gorham was the organist. The music selections were “In The Bleak Midwinter”, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and “Beautiful Savior”.
Arrangements made by Hennessey Funeral Home in Missouri Valley.
