Charles Hallstrom

Charles Hallstrom, 91 of Webster completed his baptismal journey Thursday March 14, 2013 at Sanford Hospital Webster. His funeral will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday March 19, 2013 at American Lutheran Church in Webster, Rev. Jan FitzGibbon will officiate. Burial will be in the Webster Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday 4 – 7 P.M. with a 6:30 P.M. prayer service at Fiksdal Funeral Service in Webster. Charles Wilfred Hallstrom was born on Tuesday December 13, 1921 to Carl “Jack” and Hilda (Lundby) Hallstrom at Peabody Hospital in Webster, South Dakota. He was baptized and confirmed at Hosanger Lutheran Church near Lily, South Dakota. As a young boy Charles attended country grade school at Highland District # 186 near the Hallstrom family farm in Highland Township south of Webster. He graduated from Webster High School in 1939 and after his high school education he stayed home to help his father farm. On September 11, 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army where he attended flight school and obtained rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He was honorably discharged December 2, 1947. On April 4, 1944 he married Margaret Hempel at Tallahassee, Florida. The couple returned to Webster and a short time later moved out to the Hallstrom family farm. Charles worked for many years as a state radio dispatcher along with his job at the ASCS office and farming. He retired in 1986, but did not slow down. He was a farmhand for Harman Baukol, drove cars for Hahler and Sewell Automotive, mowed lawn for the city golf course, drove people to doctor appointments, and delivered flowers for The Blossom Shoppe. He was a member of American Lutheran Church where he served on the church council and was on the Highland District #186 school board for many years. He and Margaret shared a great love for each other through thick and thin. Together they loved square dancing and golfing. Charles was a “Jack of all trades” and lived to help others. Charles passed away Thursday March 14, 2013 at Webster, South Dakota at the age of 91 years, three months, and one day. He is survived by two sons Robert (Kathy) Hallstrom of Apollo, PA and Rev. Tom (Marlene) Hallstrom of Wichita, KS, four daughters Beth (Doug) Bohlen of Albuquerque, NM, Cathy (Ryan) Barnhardt of Milbank, SD, Lora (Craig) Haugaard of Aberdeen, SD, and Christy (Greg) Wallum of Lexington, KY, one brother Rev. Fred Hallstrom of New Orleans, LA, fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife (10-5-10), one son, one brother, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.