Robert J. Halfman
Robert
J. Halfman, a life-long resident of Fond du Lac, died peacefully in his home
with his family at his side on Saturday, July 25, 2020, at 87 years of
age. Robert was born June 15, 1933, the
oldest of seven children, to Harold and Luella (Stellmacher) Halfman. He graduated from Fond du Lac Senior High
School in 1951. Wanting to be of service
to his country, Robert enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving as
part of the 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean Conflict which
had a profound affect on the rest of his life; Robert often thought of the more
than 33,000 young comrades who never returned home.
On
December 26, 1958, Robert married the love of his life, Jean Freund, at St.
Mary’s Catholic Church. Robert and Jean
enjoyed traveling together, taking many weekend trips to Minocqua; always
finding a casino to stop at along the way; and memorable trips to Germany,
Hawaii, Alaska, and Banff/Lake Louise.
He and Jean loved their Friday nights dining out at supper clubs and
attending events at The Fireside. Robert
enjoyed playing cards and swapping stories at the hunting shack that he and his
high school buddies built together. He
spent countless hours outdoors working in his yard, tending to his flowers, and
feeding “his” deer every evening.
Holding season tickets for over 50 years, Robert was an avid Packers
fan. He often wondered why Aaron Rodgers
couldn’t find that open guy and said he should be more like the
Gunslinger. But his favorite quarterback
was Bart Starr because all he did was win Championships and Super Bowls.
Robert
was a truck driver, owning and operating his own business, R.J. Halfman Trucking,
for more than 40 years. He contracted
exclusively for Wright Bros. Paper Box Co.
He always said he was fortunate to love what he did for a living. Like his mother, Luella Stellmacher, Robert
was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, serving as usher at many
Saturday night services. He was also a
member of the VFW, Eagles, and Elks Club.
Robert
is survived by his wife, Jean; and their four children, Daniel (Mary) Halfman,
Colleen Halfman, Holly (Matthew) Ford, Tracy (Darryl) Peters; his eight
grandchildren, Molly Halfman, Mackenzie (Joey Michels) Halfman, Maggie Halfman,
Zachary Ford, Adam Ford, Taylor Ford, Jason Peters, and Sylvia Peters. “Grandpa” loved his grandchildren and the
time he spent with them. He told them
countless times how proud he was of them.
Also
surviving are his brothers, Richard Halfman and Michael (Judith) Halfman; his
sisters, Mary Heimerman and Judith McKenna; his sisters-in-law, Maureen Halfman
and Geraldine Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding
him in death are his parents, Harold and Luella Halfman; his brother, Thomas
Halfman; sister, Carol Halfman; brothers-in-law, Howard Heimerman, Robert
Freund, Robert Anderson, Al Jene; and sisters-in-law, Charlotte Halfman and
Leila Gene.
Robert
was loved and respected by all that knew him.
He was a man of integrity and devoted to his family. He will be dearly missed.
The
family extends a special thank you to Agnesian Hospice Hope for their kindness and
support.
In
lieu of flowers, please direct any memorials to Robert’s beloved Cathedral, St.
Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fond du Lac.
Private
family services will be held at St. Paul’s Cathedral and burial will follow in
Rienzi Cemetery.
Guestbook and tribute wall may be found
by visiting ueckerwitt.com.