Halter, Gayland On January 5, 2024, Gayland Halter, loving husband and father, passed away at age 92 in Elk River, MN. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Lorraine "Laurie" Halter; parents Ed and Kathinka; brother, Cecil (and wives, Avis and Delores); and sister, Pauline Bethel (and husband, Dell.) Also preceded in death by Laurie's brothers, Laurice Koester, Roland Koester, Myron Koester (and wife, Dorothy), Harold Koester (and wife, Charlotte); sister, Lila Koester; and niece, Kristine Watson. He is survived by his sons, Randy (and wife, Laura) and Scott (and wife, Denise); sister, Kay Peterson (and husband, Les); Laurie's brother, Virgil Koester (and wife, Betty); and grandchildren, Kate Halter, Ben Halter, and Samantha Halter. Gayland was born in Waterbury Township, MN in 1931. He graduated from Glenwood High School. During the Korean War, he enlisted in the Air Force and served four years. In 1956, he married Laurie. He earned a Bachelor of Science at St. Cloud State, a Master of Arts at the UofMN and a Specialists degree at St. Thomas. He was a social studies teacher/administrator at Aitken High School, and the Osseo School District. In 1970, he became the first principal of North View Junior High School where he worked until he retired in 1987. After retiring, he worked part-time for St. Cloud State supervising student teachers. Gayland loved history and education. Many family vacations involved visiting presidential libraries and historical sights. He wanted to help others and make his community a better place. He was very involved at Cross of Glory Lutheran and later at Faith Lilac Way Lutheran Church. He served in various roles in Kiwanis, Rotary, North Hennepin Community College, and Plymouth Christian Youth Center. He and Laurie were always helping family, friends, and others in need. A Celebration of Life service will be held on January 27 at 11 am at Faith-Lilac Lutheran Church in Robbinsdale, MN. Visitation will occur at 10 am and lunch will be served after the service. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Gayland Halter may be given to Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran Church.

Published on January 21, 2024