Douglas “Doug” Halvorson, 84, of Bismarck, went to be with the good Lord on December 16, 2025. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, December 20, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck. 

Doug was born on February 1, 1941, to Conrad and Alice (Sneva) Halvorson in Cottonwood, Arizona. He grew up in Wildrose, ND, where he attended school and played tennis and basketball. He graduated in 1959. 

He attended Williston State College in the late 1960s. Interestingly, his first year of college coincided with his firstborn’s first year of kindergarten. 

Doug met his wife, Myrna, on April 15, 1962, on a blind date. The very next day, he showed up at her work with a yellow rose and asked her to lunch. They were engaged on May 1 and married on June 16, 1962, beginning a lifelong love story. To this union, they were blessed with three children: Terry, Tressy, and Todd. 

After high school he enlisted in the United States Army where he served 2.5 years stationed in Panama. He was honorably discharged from the US Army in February 1962. After his service in the Army Doug held many roles throughout his life, some of which were; restaurateur, construction/carpentry and after retirement became an instructional aide for the carpentry program at Bismarck State College for 7 years. 

Doug was exceptionally talented with his hands—a gifted builder, carpenter, and teacher. He crafted furniture for his family and was an excellent cook. Hospitality was important to him, and he loved opening his home to others. He enjoyed snowmobiling in winter and golfing with his son, sons-in-law and grandsons. 

Doug had a deep love for music and could make an instrument out of nearly anything, though spoons were his favorite. His life truly was a song. 

He loved dancing with Myrna, whether waltzing or square dancing, and they belonged to a square-dancing club together. Many fond memories were made dancing together in the kitchen. Doug was a true gentleman—overflowing with love, generosity, and unapologetically being himself. He often said, “You may not like me, but you’ll never forget me.” 

Doug carried a childlike joy that lit up every room. In conversation, he made you feel as though you were the only person in the world. 

He was deeply loyal to his country and had a profound love for Jesus, which he lived out daily through his actions. 

Doug is survived by his beautiful wife, Myrna whom they shared 63 wonderful years together; children, Terry (Daryl) McPeters, Tressy (Darin) Wiley, and Todd (Kim) Halvorson; grandchildren, Tyler (Dani) McPeters, Zachary Wiley, Courtney Wiley, Morgan Halvorson, Emma Halvorson, and Hannah Halvorson; great grandchildren, Faith and Hope Wiley; sister, Connie (Jeremy) Nelson; and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald; and beloved granddaughter, Kristan McPeters.