Peter Halgren

Peter Nels Halgren passed away September 24, 2010 after a short illness. “Pete” was born at home in Birmingham, Michigan on June 10, 1922. He attended grade school in Birmingham and moved to Seattle, graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1940. Although he received two academic scholarships to Yale and Amherst respectively, Pete chose to enter the University of Washington, majoring in business. There, he met Marjorie Guenther, his wonderful wife of sixty-six years. He enlisted in the US Army Reserve in 1942 and was called to active duty in 1943 as a private. He later attended and graduated from Infantry Officer Candidate School and saw combat infantry service in the battles of Northern France, the “Bulge”, and Central Europe as part of the 76th Infantry Division (3rd Army). He earned two Bronze Stars with “v” device for valor, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Presidential Merit Citation, and various theatre and service ribbons.

Following discharge from active duty as a Captain, Pete re-entered the University of Washington and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1947. Marge and Pete became industrial nomads, making 10 inter-city moves while working for two paper companies. During this time Marge and Pete reared two children – Jan and Art. Pete served in virtually all aspects of the paper business – accounting, personnel, manufacturing, sales, and general management, becoming Corporate Vice-President.

Following retirement, Marge and Pete moved to Olympia, remodeled the family home and spent the next 25 years there.

Pete is survived by his loving wife of sixty-six years, daughter Jan, son Art; son-in-law Doug; two granddaughters, Kara Smith and Meredith Gartner, their husbands Aaron and Joe; and great-grandson, Logan Samuel Peter Smith. Other survivors are sister-in-law Shirley Sadler, her husband Bob, and their children and grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1515 Harrison, Olympia, Washington, on Saturday October 2, at 2 pm. Please give any memorial gifts to the charity of your choice.