Peter Henry Halbur
Peter Henry Halbur, born May 18, 1949 in Fond du Lac, WI, firstborn son to Katherine (Gindt) Halbur and the late Bernard Halbur, died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at the age of 72 at St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac.
Pete was proud to attend grades one through eight at the Taft 23 two-room schoolhouse. He graduated from St. Mary’s Springs High School, Class of 1967. In his teenage years, Pete worked on the home farm, was active in 4-H, and loved playing baseball. He registered for service on his 18th birthday, completed basic training, and then faithfully served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves until 1973. He continued his commitment to his country as a member of American Legion Post 454 in Mt. Calvary as Honor Guard Commander in the Honor Guard.
Pete surprised everyone by getting married to Sandra Ann Mand on April 22, 1994 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He was the most attentive, tender husband. If Sandy would be away traveling across the country to visit her sister, he would tuck a love letter for her to find for each day she was gone.
As a dedicated 32-year Teamster semi-driver, he drove for Tom Ottery, CW Transport, Crouse Cartage Co., and International Paper, retiring in 2009 with several safe driver awards, and continuing to work at TDC Engineering for Tim Grahl in Armstrong as a parts delivery/pickup driver until Parkinson’s limited his mobility. As of April 2021, Pete was presiding Town of Forest Chairman until his death.
He had many interests: hunting small and large game (pheasant, deer, moose, elk, and bear), all types of fishing (smelt, panfish, ice, bullhead, musky, and salmon), excelled in trapshooting (shooting an impressive 25 and 23 the day before he passed), skeet, more baseball, and picking hickory nuts. The annual Euchre tournament was a highlight in January, as was sturgeon spearing in February. Pete was a fierce sheepshead and cribbage player, playing whenever he could, and he looked forward to his Tuesday golf league at Hickory Hills. There wasn’t a horse-pulling video or western movie Pete didn’t see, a polka song he hadn’t heard, and a tractor he didn’t love.
Pete was a member of the Teamsters, American Legion, NRA, Sturgeon for Tomorrow, Pipe and Fisherman’s Road Fishing Clubs, and a lifetime member/member of many conservation clubs: East Shore, Forest, Dotyville, St. Cloud (Riverside), and Eden. The B&B in Mt. Calvary hosted daily B.S. meetings over morning coffee, discussing important topics, such as: when will the Hwy. 23 project be done, who’s hauling shit today, cougar and bear sightings, and whose cows got out.
Pete and Sandy thoroughly enjoyed their many trips out to North Dakota where they hunted geese, ducks, and sharp-tailed grouse and visited family and friends. Trips to Australia, New Zealand, New England, Washington D.C., Nashville, and Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Glacier National Parks were highlights of their travels. In the past year, Pete built a second garage complete with a “she shed” for Sandy, and he also built a new shanty for sturgeon spearing. Pete had a vision for what he wanted to accomplish, and nothing stopped him from doing what he wanted to do.
Pete had Parkinson’s, but the condition did not have him. With courage, strength, resilience, and his can-do attitude, he was able to stay active and involved until his death. His generous, larger-than-life, fun-loving personality, and take the reins approach will be missed by many and lovingly remembered. You are now free, soar with the eagles, and may God hold you in his warm embrace. Until we all meet again.
Pete is survived by his forever bride, Sandy, his stepchildren Chuck (Melissa) Birschbach, Clare (Jason) Beyersdorf, and Nate Birschbach (special friend Caitlin Buretta), he adored his grandchildren Lillian Birschbach, Aubreigh and Ella Beyersdorf, and Marissa, Mason, and Madelyn Birschbach.
Also surviving are his mother, Katherine Halbur of Fond du Lac, his siblings Pauline (Gene) Kussart of Verona, Rose (Allen) Bertram and Ray (Raenell) Halbur both of Fond du Lac, John (Barbara) Halbur of Joliet, IL, aunts Mary Halbur of Algoma, Sisters Bernadette and Lucina Halbur of Milwaukee, and Margaret Rashid of Fond du Lac, his mother-in-law, Germaine Mand of Mt. Calvary, in-laws Bob (Jan) Mand of Malone, Kathy Beck Mand of Door County, Dennis Mand (fiancé Kathy Geis) and Paul (Betty) Mand both of Fond du Lac, Margaret (Liandro) Arellano of Dixon, IL, Beverly Mand (husband Mark Thomas) of Seattle, WA and Dave Mand (fiancé Penny Mortensen) of Malone, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceded in death by his father, Bernie, brother, David, sister, Joann, his father-in-law, Gilbert Mand, brothers-in-law James Peters and Thomas Mand, sisters-in-law Theresa Mand (infant) and Patricia Mand, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A special thank you to the Mt. Calvary and Fond du Lac EMTs, Fond du Lac Sheriff’s Dept., and St. Agnes ER staff for their commitment and compassion, and for fulfilling Pete’s wish to be an organ and tissue donor. Sandy and family would also like to thank the B&B staff for checking on the well-being of their favorite customer! God’s blessings to you.
Visitation and Burial: Pete’s family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, November 8, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division St. in Fond du Lac. On Tuesday, November 9, 2021 visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Church in Mt. Calvary. Mass to follow at 11:00 AM. Military Rites conducted by State Military Honors in conjunction with the Mt. Calvary American Legion Post 454 will take place following the mass. A Christian burial will take place at a later date at St. Charles Cemetery in Fond du Lac, WI.
Memorials may be directed to Mt. Calvary Fire Dept., Mt. Calvary Ambulance Services, American Legion Post 454 in Mt. Calvary, or Wisconsin Parkinson Association.