Rudolph “Rudy” Leonard Halvorsen died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Saturday, December 29, 2018. He was born on October 19, 1927 in Galveston. Both of his parents had emigrated from Halden, Norway. His father traveled on the S.S. Franconia, leaving on September 5, 1911 from Liverpool, England and arriving in Boston, Massachusetts. His mother left Halden, Norway aboard the S.S. Tortugas, arriving at the Port of Galveston on June 6, 1926. Though Rudy was born and raised in Galveston, he did spend a year and a half in Norway. Rudy actually flunked first grade because he could not speak English.

His first jobs were as a delivery boy and a soda jerk. While helping an electrician with transistor radios, he heard the news about Pearl Harbor. As part of the war effort, he assisted as a sheet metal worker. Near the end of World War II, Rudy joined the Navy along with his friends, Bill Lehmann and Bill Slagle. Since Rudy was only 17 years old, his parents had to give permission. Rudy served 37 months in the Navy.

Following the war, Rudy continued to enjoy fishing and bowling. From setting pins (four cents a game) as a teenager, he eventually became a champion bowler. On September 16, 1953, he even bowled a three-game total of 763.

In November 1948, Rudy began his career at Union Carbide, where he became a piping draftsman. He worked there 40+ years, as an employee or consultant.

On May 18, 1957 Rudy married Florence Bergwall at First Lutheran Church in Galveston. His priorities changed from bowling to family. Rudy enjoyed time with his in-law’s, Christine and Charlie. In June 1958, the couple bought property in La Marque for $3,351.75 to build a home. He was a devoted father to Clifford, Russell, and Tina.

Besides serving as a Little League Manager and a Boy Scout Leader for Troop #222, Rudy was an active member at Zion Lutheran Church in Galveston. He served in many different positions: from cutting grass to being Council President to teaching Sunday School.

Rudy loved his grandchildren, spending many hours with them. They cherish memories of trips, ice cream, and playing games. Rudy always proudly displayed their photos and artwork (no matter the quality).

Rudy also enjoyed his friends from the weekly poker games. His involvement with the Scandinavian Club and Folk-Dance Group included two trips back to Norway. He cherished visiting his relatives there and continued to delight in their calls, letters, and trips to Texas. Rudy worked on his Norwegian and learned his genealogy. He even wrote an autobiography for his family.

Rudy was preceded in death by his mother, Herta Hjordis Halvorsen Stanley; his father, Johan Arnt Halvorsen; and his sister, Betty Lou Halvorsen Adams.

Survivors include his wife Florence; son Clifford Halvorsen (Shelly); son Russell Halvorsen (Beth Marie); and daughter Tina Brusen. Grandchildren include: Morgan Nolan (Daniel); Andrew Halvorsen; Sarah Halvorsen; Michelle Brusen, Haley Brusen; Kelli Brusen; and Casey Brusen. He held many special people in his heart, including Sara Ellyn Reynolds.

A visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 7:00pm Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at James Crowder Funeral Home, La Marque. A funeral Service will be at 10:00am Wednesday, January 2, 2019, at Memorial Lutheran Church, Texas City.  Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers and honarary pallbearers will be Allen Lehmann, and Larry Parsons. Following the funeral service at Memorial Lutheran Church in Texas City, Rudy will be buried at the Galveston Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Memorial Lutheran Church and/or Texas Children’s Hospital.