Teresa Marie Halvorsen
April 10, 1964 - January 09, 2021
Obituary
MADISON - Teresa Marie Halvorsen, age 56, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, at UW Hospital after battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer for over two years. She was born on April 10, 1964, in Madison, the daughter of Lawrence Mortensen and Karen (Galer) Hunsbusher.
Teresa graduated from LaFollette High School in 1982. She achieved two degrees from MATC in the dental hygienist program and accounting. Teresa married Randy Halvorsen on April 22, 1988, at St John's Lutheran Church in Madison. She worked at American Family Insurance in multiple roles, including management for 32 years, retiring in 2020.
Teresa loved to watch her kid’s activities. She loved cheering on her daughter, Kayla, at her tennis matches and traveling to watch her bowling competitions. She was her son, Kalec’s biggest fan at his baseball, basketball and football games. Any time with family was the best time for Teresa. She loved traveling to sunny Florida to visit family, relaxing on the beaches in St. Augustine and Naples as well as family adventures in Mackinaw City. Teresa loved playing games and watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. She was very knowledgeable and always thought about others before herself.
Teresa is survived by her husband, Randy; son, Kalec Halvorsen; daughter, Kayla Halvorsen; brother, Dave (Ruth Mills) Mortensen; one nephew, Bryce Mortensen; mother-in-law, Sabra Halvorsen; brother-in-law, Dan (Katie) Halvorsen; and four nieces Brianna Halvorsen, Sarina Halvorsen, Venicia Palacios and Carina Halvorsen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence Mortensen and Karen Hunsbusher; and father-in-law, Richard "Dick" Halvorsen.
A private memorial service will be held at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. Please contact the funeral home to reserve a time to offer condolences to the family. Due to COVID-19 guidelines, social distancing and face masks are required.
Donations may be gifted to Teresa’s family c/o Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Dan Mulkerin, Jenna, Stacey and the entire staff at the UW Carbone Cancer Center for their compassionate care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
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Jaclyn Schmidt
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Although I didn't spent much time with Teresa and Randy, I did know them as neighbors and as neighbors, they were wonderful. Teresa was our block captain for many years and I was able to speak with her on a few occasions and one of those occasions was when she told me about her son being diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. She knew that our son was also a Juvenile Diabetic and so we shared that bond as Mothers. Mothers who would understand as only Mothers would of knowing that your child, as well as the whole family is now living a life that can be difficult at times, challenging to say the least and perhaps a bit frightening as well. Teresa was unwavering in her support of her son and daughter, she was a great person and wife to Randy and my heart aches for them in this time of sadness and loss. She is now in heaven and smiling down on all of you and I know you'll keep her memory alive in your hearts. Our condolences, George and Jackie Schmidt
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David Groneng
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Hi Randy, So sorry to hear of your wife passing away. My wife also died of cancer and my heart goes out to you and your family. I remember the good old days working with you when film was key player in the printing industry. Best regards to you. Dave Groneng
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Pamela J Scott
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"Tess", you are missed beyond words. Your kindness and friendship have meant so much to me over the years. Peace to your family, they are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Steven & Michelle Braithwaite
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So sorry to here about her passing. She was a shining light that brighten the lives of all who knew her. Our prayers are with her family. Steven & Michelle Braithwaite
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Sue R. Simpson
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Randy, Kalec and Kayla, Sabra, Dan and Katie and Kids and entire Family and Friends of Teresa -- we were so shocked and saddened to learn of your loss of your beautiful Teresa, at such a young age with so much more to give and dreams and hope to achieve. While great strides have been made with curing cancer, it is still a medical condition that seems to impact so many. We always looked forward to connecting with our relatives at reunions, thanks to our grandparents and parents who kept that a high priority, since so many families, especially with today's mobile society, seem to live all over the country, rarely seeing one another as they pursue their lives. Our family always kept that reunion a high priority to keep those contacts along with letters and phone calls, and again today's other means of connecting, help keep our family heritage together. I have found that through those reunions and other get-togethers our seniors arranged for birthdays or whatever, like Uncle Frank often did in our area, AND Christmas cards that were a must in years past that is fading unfortunately, but I/we and others try to keep that tradition alive, to keep our heritage families in contact. Again, all of our hearts and prayers are with you and all the family and friends of Teresa, in your loss, and sadly only losing Dick a few months ago as well. She had a heart and compassion and ambition of gold obviously, that seems to be a must in our families, as did Dick. May all your memories, faith and lessons of strength you learned in life through your families and on your paths of life give you all strength in your lives, so you can all continue to make your contributions in this world that we are each meant to do. God bless you all.
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Margit Gundlach
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Kayla and Kalec, I always loved seeing you in church. I loved being your teacher on occasion during Sunday School times. Your mom was always grateful for being your mom. She was and continues to be your greatest cheerleader. May you find your love for each other comforting and growing in the years to come.