Dixie Marie Halvorson, 77

Published 9:43 am Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Dixie Marie Halvorson, 77

Dixie Marie Halvorson, age 77, passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at home after bravely battling cancer for over two and a half years.

Dixie was born on October 19, 1947, in Austin, Minnesota, to Mildred (Anderson) Lee and Norman Lee. She was a lifelong resident of Austin and a proud member of the Austin High School Class of 1965. After graduation, Dixie attended cosmetology school and spent over 30 years as a hairstylist at Julianne’s Salon of Beauty, retiring in 2006. She loved spending time outdoors in the summer, and for many years, she could be found working at the concession stand at Todd Park.

On February 22, 1975, Dixie married Ward Halvorson at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, where she had been a lifelong member. She was a loving mother to Nicole and John, and an adoring grandmother to Kira, Kirby, and Mila. Whenever her grandchildren would visit her, they knew she would always have their favorite treats, art supplies, sidewalk chalk, nets for catching fireflies, and all kinds of outdoor toys to make summer days with Grandma extra fun.

Holidays and family gatherings were important to Dixie, and she took great joy in preparing favorite meals for her loved ones. She loved shopping and was a gift giver extraordinaire. She also enjoyed playing cards with friends, flower gardening, bowling, and traveling.

Dixie will be remembered for having the kindest heart, for selflessly making sure everyone was taken care of, and for cherishing her family and friends.

She will be deeply missed by her husband of 50 years, Ward Halvorson; daughter, Nicole (Nicholas) Halvorson Loutchko; son, John (Bridget) Halvorson; grandchildren, Kira Halvorson, Kirby Halvorson, and Mila Loutchko; siblings, Keith (Linda) Anderson, and Penny Carroll; brother-in-law, Bruce Halvorson; nieces, Laurie Bartuccio, Kelle (Roger) Shubkagel, and Shannon (Scott) Robinson; nephews, Rick (Diane) Anderson, Greg (Pam) Anderson, Chris (Rachel) Carroll, Nathan Lee, and Brian Lee; as well as many beloved cousins, great nieces, great nephews, and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred Lee and Norman Lee; parents-in-law, Lavonne Halvorson, John Halvorson, and Joyce Lessard Halvorson; and siblings, Gary Lee, Calvin Lee, and infant sister, Nancy.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dixie’s wonderful friends, neighbors, and extended family, near and far, who provided her with love, support, and comfort during her illness. The family would also like to thank the nurses, aides, and staff of Mayo Clinic Hospice team three for their compassionate care.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, with the Reverend Kris Ferkin officiating. Visitation will be held one hour before the service at the church. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.

Clasen-Jordan Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.