Esther M. Halverson, age 94, formerly of Cato, entered eternal life on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Shady Lane Nursing Care Center, Manitowoc, surrounded by her loving family.

Esther was born on January 3, 1932, in Manitowoc, to the late Carl and Martha (Uttech) Waack. She attended grade school at First German and graduated from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1950. On June 2, 1951, she married Herman Halverson. He preceded her in death on September 8, 1980. Esther was employed in a variety of secretarial positions throughout her career including Credit Bureau Services, Lube Devices, American Red Cross, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Valders and taught Sunday School for 20 years. She also held several positions over the years for the Faith Lutheran Church Women. Esther loved to bake and was best known for her amazing peanut squares.

Esther will be deeply missed by her son: Thomas (Linda) Halverson, Burlington, NC, and their children: Brian (Gwen) Halverson, Leslie (Kris) Stuart, Matthew, and Jaimie; two daughters: Marjorie (Ray) Dix, Stevens Point, and their children: Jeffrey (Jenn) Vanderlogt; Ellen (John) Polifka, Reedsville, and their children: Sara (Jackie) Woods, and Adam Polifka. Esther is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Payton, Braxton, Brody, Wyatt, Violet, Heidi, Natalie, Harrison, Clara, and Jackson. Nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends also survive.

Preceded in death by her parents; husband: Herman Halverson; three sisters: Emma, Edna, and Irene; four brothers: Herman, Fred, Henry, and William; along with her mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church, 255 W. Roosevelt St., Valders. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Diane Wheatly. Relatives and friends may greet the family from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church. Esther will be laid to rest next to her husband at Gjerpen Cemetery immediately following the service.

Esther’s family would like to thank the Shady Lane 4th floor staff and Sharon Richardson Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Esther.

Memorials in Esther’s name may be made to Faith Lutheran Church.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with arrangements.