Surnames: Halsey, Forslund, Pearson

The Loyal Tribune 22 October 1942

Halsey, Raymond C. (29 AUG 1920 - OCT 1942)

Raymond Charles Halsey, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Halsey, was born near Hesper, Ia., Aug. 29, 1920. The family moved from there to Spencer, Wis., where he spent his childhood. Later he came to Minnesota, where he was employed until last June, when he enlisted at Owatonna for service in the navy.

Raymond was sent to the Great Lakes (Ill.) naval training station to receive his training, and in August he was given a furlough, which he spent with his family here. On his return he was transferred to Norfolk, Va., serving as apprentice seaman.

Last week Raymond and two of his friends were given a short furlough. Getting out of one street car, the three walked around another and into the path of a third, which was hidden from view. All three were injured, Raymond the most seriously, being hurt internally and receiving severe face wounds. He was taken to the Marine hospital and later transferred to the Naval hospital at Portsmouth, Va., where two hours later he passed away. The others were also taken to the hospital but are improving.

The family was notified of his death, and his body was sent to Mabel, arriving there Monday night. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday at the Methodist church in Mabel, with the Rev. A. S. Earl in charge. Members of the American Legion of Mabel served as pallbearers and of the Preston post as firing squad, and he was laid to rest in the Hesper cemetery with military honors. Legionnaires from Preston in attendance were Commander Quanrud, Walter Joseph, George Perry, C. P. Grebin, Francis Scanlon, Chris Evenrud, H. F. Becker, John Neuman and Francis Linstroth (Harmony). Two sailors, home on furlough, Lester Hahn and Marleane Benson, also attended. Elvyn Cummings served as bugler. All of the children with the exception of the son in Alaska, were able to come to the services.

Left to mourn his sudden death are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Halsey, of Preston; two sisters, Mrs. Carl Forslund of Minneapolis and Mrs. Paul Pearson of Rochester; and four brothers, Russell of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., Corp. Ellsworth of Camp Pickett, Va., Pvt. Sylvester, somewhere in Alaska, and Eugene at home.

Those from away were his brother, Russell and wife; his sisters, Mrs. Forslund and Pearson and their husbands; Charles Brown of Marine, Minn.; Glen Brown of Somerset, Wis.; Mrs. Art Frego and son Lyle and Mrs. Gerald McIntyre of Fountain; Mrs. Melvin Erickson and daughters, Mrs. Clarence Helgeson and Miss Mavis Erickson of Pilot Mound.

Members of the Legion Auxiliary of Preston took charge at the home, serving both dinner and supper to the family and those who came from away for the services.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the Halsey family in their sudden loss.—Preston (Minn.) Times