Wanda L. Halvorsen

Wanda L. Halvorsen, 97, of Traverse City died on December 11, 2020 at Railside Assisted Living in Byron Center, Michigan.

Born Wanda Lenore Lavender on March 24, 1923 in Spencer Township of rural Cedar Springs, Michigan, she was the daughter of John M. Lavender and Vera (Stokes) Lavender of Coral, MI.

She graduated from Morley High School and took business training from Ferris State College. She was employed as a secretary in Grand Rapids for 7 years prior to her marriage to Lars F. Halvorsen, Jr. of Cedar, Michigan on October 15, 1949. The couple made their home in Leelanau County where she was a partner with her husband in establishing a strawberry U-Pick business, which they maintained for 29 years.

Her joy was her family and her Christian faith. She loved being a homemaker and cherished the family dinners around the big table at the farm home, which often included extended family members and friends. She never liked the word housewife, but was happy to make a wonderful home for her husband and 4 children. She also loved to laugh.

Wanda was a regular attender of West Bay Covenant Church, 12720 W. Bay Shore, Traverse City MI 49684 and appreciated its ministry and outreach to the community.

She is survived by her four children, Lynn of Kalamazoo, Sid of Traverse City, Deanna (George) Smith of Livonia, and Neil of Chicago; and two grandsons, Brandon Lars Halvorsen and Ryan Kenneth Halvorsen of Traverse City. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband on April 1, 1999, her brother, Wayne Lavender, 1 brother-in-law, 5 sisters-in-law and one nephew.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Bay Ridge Assisted Living for their loving care of Mom and also Hospice of Michigan.

Memorial contributions can be made to West Bay Covenant Church, 12720 West Bay Shore Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, December 14, 2020 at 1:00 pm with visitation beginning at 12 noon.