Betty Jean Halvorson, age 93, passed away peacefully from natural causes on March 1, 2024, at Waterview Shores in Two Harbors, MN with loving family by her side. She was born on September 15, 1930, in Duluth MN to Carl and Saga Marie Victoria Flater, shortly thereafter, she was blessed with one brother, Larry.
After attending school, she married Richard Hopkins October 2, 1948, and they lived in Ohio. After Richard’s on the job fatality, Betty moved back to her home state with their three children.
She married Jerome (Shorty) Halvorson on April 28, 1956, in Cloquet, MN at Zion Lutheran Church. Most of their working years were spent living on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Silver Cliff near Two Harbors, and Beaver Bay, MN raising their family, enjoying the beauty of the great lake.
While Jerome worked full time for Reserve Mining, together Betty and Jerome owned and operated J&B Market in Beaver Bay throughout the 1970’s and early 1980’s where Betty managed the business, taking care of the day-to-day operations. Betty also worked at a variety of businesses in the community including the Beaver Bay Inn, Beaver Bay Club, as well as numerous hospitality businesses up and down the shore, where Betty was known for her cooking and baking abilities.
As an amazing seamstress, a love for gardening, crocheting and making hand crafted items was how she occupied her time when not enjoying bowling, fishing, playing cribbage and giving love to the multiple varieties of pets that brought her joy throughout her years.
After retirement, Shorty and Betty took a liking to warmer climates and began wintering in the southwest region of Arizona, where they eventually relocated to live year round.
After the passing of her husband, Shorty, in 2008, Betty moved to Hopkinton, IA to live closer to family. She enjoyed her home, gardening, crafting, and volunteering at the local thrift store where proceeds helped the community. In February 2023, she relocated to Two Harbors, returning to the area she called home, reconnecting and visiting with family and friends.
Betty will be sadly missed by her family and fond memories will be cherished forever.
She is survived by her family; Coleen (Hopkins) and husband Larry Andersen of Hopkinton, IA, Eugene and wife Cindy Halvorson of Duluth, MN, John and wife Maureen Hopkins of Red Wing, MN, Barbara (Hopkins) and husband Joel Novitske of Ripon, WI, Jerry and wife Tracy Halvorson of Silver Bay, MN, Brian and wife Tammy Halvorson of Marquette, MI, Nancy (Halvorson) Krull of Beaver Bay, MN, Lisa (Halvorson) Makely Oak Park, IL.; 24 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren.
Preceding Betty in death are her husband Jerome, parents, brother, and one great grandchild.
The family is planning a small personal gathering to celebrate Betty and Jerome’s lives.
