Allan Laugen Halvorsen

Published 10:23 am Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Allan Laugen Halvorsen, age 72, of Emmons, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, at St. John’s Woodlands in Albert Lea.

Born on July 25, 1952, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, Allan was the youngest of six children of parents Alma (Laugen) and Leo “Bud” Halvorsen, Jr. He was baptized and confirmed at Lime Creek Lutheran Church, rural Emmons, a place that remained meaningful to him throughout his life.

Allan grew up on the family farm west of Emmons, attending the last operating country school in Freeborn County through sixth grade. He graduated as valedictorian of Emmons High School’s Class of 1970 and earned his degree in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota in 1974. In 1991, he completed his Juris Doctor at Hamline University School of Law, embarking on a second career that would allow him to serve others in a new way.

Allan met the love of his life, Nancy Blohm of Kiester, during his senior year of high school at a Luther League event. He was intrigued by her and eventually got enough courage to ask her out for a date. Wanting to impress her, he arrived in a different vehicle for each date. It worked! They married on September 16, 1972, raised two children, Anne and Mark, and shared 52 years together.

Allan wore many hats over the years: dairy farmer, Extension Service educator, attorney, and community volunteer. He worked with his brother Steven in a successful dairy and crop farming partnership through the 1980s. During the farm crisis, Allan helped other farmers navigate financial hardship, offering guidance through the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Later, he practiced law with Goldman, Sturtz and Halvorsen for more than three decades, becoming a trusted and compassionate advocate in the Albert Lea area.

Through all of life’s transitions, Allan remained grounded in service. He was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, where he served as Church Council president, Sunday School teacher, confirmation mentor, scripture reader, and communion assistant. His civic and professional leadership included roles in the Freeborn County Bar Association, Sertoma Club, and Region 9 American Dairy Association. He also ran for MN State Representative in 2002, always guided by a deep sense of purpose and care for others.

Allan loved spending time with his family. He also made time for simple joys like driving his old farm tractors, mowing lawn, making oversized bonfires, learning anything about cars- and he could never resist a large bowl of ice cream covered in chocolate! He carried on his mom’s tradition of making lefse, often with his sister Anita. His adventurous side included skydiving and earning his pilot license.

After being diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer in 2024, Allan met the challenge with the same quiet strength that defined his life. He set three goals: to handle the ordeal with grace, to keep gratitude at the center of his life, and to continue growing in his Christian faith. Even in pain, he was deeply moved by the love and kindness he received—from family, friends, his pastor, church family, medical staff, and community. He often said how blessed he felt by each one.

He is survived by his loving wife Nancy, daughter Anne, and son Mark (Amber); grandchildren Vanessa (Alec) Ausland, Isabelle, Emma, Lucas, and Samuel; and great-grandchildren Eloise and Oliver. He is also survived by siblings Verlaine Halvorsen, Daryl (Ginny) Halvorsen, Joan (Dennis) Morgan, Anita Helland, and Steven (Cindy) Halvorsen, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Alma Halvorsen, brother-in-law James Helland, and niece Stacey Halvorsen.

The funeral will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea on Tuesday, June 17th at 10:30am. Burial at Lime Creek Cemetery, Emmons, Minnesota.

Visitation will be at Bayview Funeral Home on Monday, June 16th from 4:00-6:00pm and one hour before the service on Tuesday.

Allan requested that memorials be directed to Lime Creek Cemetery Association, Trinity Lutheran Church, Youth for Christ, or the Lime Creek Church Preservation.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. John’s Woodlands and Mayo Hospice for their compassionate and skillful care.