Nola Lane Halverson

Nola was born December 8, 1950 in Fergus Falls. Her father, Lenard Bullock, was her guiding light. Nola was his hunting and fishing companion. Nola often talked about her father's wonderful sense of humor. This was a trait passed on to Nola. She was known for her infectious smile, laughter, kind heart, and sense of humor.

She was never afraid of hard work. Before her teaching career she drove school bus and worked in a cabinet factory. She was her husband's carpenter's assistant and became a proficient carpenter. She took pride in her personal, extensive set of tools and her ability to do her own work. She took a lot of pride in her strong work ethic. 

Nola and her first husband, Eldon had their only child, Christopher Halverson. Nola was very proud of the life that Chris, and his wife Amy built together. It was her greatest joy when her granddaughter, Morgan was born. Morgan was in Nola's thoughts, prayers and conversation every day. Anyone that knows Nola has been told about Morgan's sports and more. She was so proud and happy recently to find out Morgan had committed to go to Hamline University and would be playing on their basketball team. Some of the best days of her life was watching Morgan play basketball. During basketball season Nola and Bob's schedule was booked entirely around when games were to be played. 

In the late 1980s, in her late 30s, she went back to college to be a teacher. This was a daunting task for a young mother as it was over an hour ride to and from school. But once Nola set her sights on something it got done. She graduated from Moorhead State in May 1990 and from the University of Minnesota with a Masters in Special Education. She was a Special Education teacher at Stillwater High School from 1991 until retirement. She was profoundly thankful for the education that gave her a meaningful and fulfilling career. As a result, she believed deeply in the power of education. Beyond just teaching, she was a fierce advocate for her students with special needs. The goal was always to get her kids to graduation. To her students, she was Mrs. H.

She met Bob in 2003. It was love at first sight and they spent the next 20 years together. It was a full and rewarding life of family, grandchildren, travel, biking, golf, enjoying the flower garden and much more.

She was known for her infectious smile, laughter, kind heart, and sense of humor. Her friends knew if there was a family emergency she would be there with a meal in hand and the willingness to do anything to help. 

One of Nola's joys in life was travel – especially Italy. She made many trips with her girlfriends. Nola and Bob traveled around the world. Her generous nature was evident in the thoughtful gifts she brought back for her friends and family. She loved playing golf. It was one of her greatest passions. She enjoyed riding bicycle with Bob which was a daily event at their home in Florida. 

When Nola moved to teach in Stillwater, she maintained friendships with her friends from Fergus Falls, and made new friends in her teaching career. She built a family of friends. She loved getting together for a meal, playing cards, and dining out. While she enjoyed dining out, Nola loved working in the kitchen making a meal. Setting the table was something she enjoyed a great deal. Her serving sizes were always more than anyone could eat. Every meal with friends started with an appetizer which included 4 types of cheese, nuts and olives.

Nola had a way of making people feel special. She made Grandma's Famous Chicken and Grandma's Famous Hot Dish for her three grandboys, Aaron, Jordan, and Carson, too many times to count. More recently she was ecstatic to make these same meals for her great grandson, Aidan. Whenever granddaughter, Morgan stayed overnight at Grandma's a large batch of blueberry pancakes was served for breakfast. 

Nola wanted to be known for her turkey dinner. She made turkey dinners year around. In true Nola fashion it was not unusual to prepare a 15 pound turkey for four people with gravy, dressing, potatoes, broccoli, dinner rolls and dessert. She would always try to send leftovers home.

Preceding her in death were her father, Lenard Bullock; step mother, Mariean Bullock; and step sister, Laurie Peterson.

Nola is survived by her son, Christopher Halverson (Amy); granddaughter, Morgan Halverson; her husband Bob's family, Scott Saaranen (Dominque), grandsons, Aaron (Maria), Jordan Saaranen (Erika), and Carson Saaranen; great grandson, Aidan Saaranen; step family, Jerald (Phyllis) Quam, Darlene (Gary) Westerhaug, Donald (Arlene) Quam, Carol (Ron) Ehlers, and Roger (Barb) Quam.

Service Friday, December 6, 2024, 11:00 A.M. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1616 Olive Street, Stillwater. Interment Fairview Cemetery. Visitation Thursday, December 5, 2024, 5:00-8:00 P.M. at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater.

You are welcome to send flowers in memory or Nola or a monetary gift payable to Bob for a Special Education Fund for Stillwater High School.

Nola Halverson Service Livestream