Arthur (Art) John Halma was born May 6, 1931 in Worthington, Minnesota to John and Tracy (Drost) Halma. He was the second of four children, and surrounded by many other “brothers and sisters” while growing up in a home in Bigelow, Minnesota filled with foster children. His father was a hard working railroad man and the home was filled with love and laughter. His childhood was one of church, hard work, pranks, and fun while growing up in the Midwest farm country. Art left high school after his junior year and went to work on the farm of Ben de Boer. After harvest, he went to work for Bigelow Elevator. In 1950, the family moved to Worthington and soon thereafter he joined the National Guard. His unit was quickly called up due to the start of the Korean War and Art there served there in the 31st Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army. He never talked much about Korea, but was very proud of his service there. Art said it was an experience he was so glad for, but would never wish on anyone. As a sergeant, he fought on Pork Chop Hill, Heartbreak Ridge, and north of the 38th parallel in Manchuria, China. Art contracted Malaria and was sent home to a Wisconsin hospital for recovery.
When Art recovered, he moved back to Worthington and went to work for Dick Koenke at Worthington Sheet Metal. Heating and air conditioning would become his lifelong occupation. Art met his “wonderful and caring” wife Gladys as she worked as a waitress at the Gobbler Café. They enjoyed a lifelong partnership of 56 years
Art moved his wife and 2 year old son John to Lakewood, California in 1958. Art worked for Douglas Aircraft for a year and then at Southland Heating and A/C. 1964 became the year of great change, stress, and joy: the family moved to a new home in Bellflower, Art started his own business of Western Supply Heating and Air-Conditioning through the help of wonderful friends, and his beloved daughter Kristine (Pooh) came into their lives. Over the years, the business flourished and became Bellflower Heating and Air-Conditioning. Art served many years as president of the Sheet Metal Air-Conditioning National Association (SMACNA) in the Long Beach/ Orange County chapters. He retired in 1989 after 25 years, and worked part-time with his son at Valley Christian Schools until 1993. Art and Gladys moved to Seal Beach in 1994, where he resided until his passing.
All of these things influenced the amazing husband, father, and grandfather and servant he became. He loved his church and served it constantly in many different servant and leadership capacities for many years. He was so proud of his part in bringing the Korver family to Emmanuel Church in Paramount and in leading the churches first ever small group. He took pride in finally bringing air-conditioning to the church in 1982 just before his son’s wedding. His final project was leading the installation of heating and air-conditioning for the church’s Activity Center. He volunteered for many years at Los Alamitos Hospital with the Cancer Support Foundation and was awarded as the volunteer of the year. He loved all sports, especially watching his grandchildren play, and anything to do with U.C.L.A. Most important to Art and his greatest satisfaction was quietly serving anyone in need in any way possible. His generosity, compassion, and unconditional love for others was unmatched and will be greatly missed by all of us. Ultimately it was not what he did or said, but how he made us all feel that we will miss the most. He truly will be remembered as a godly, faithful servant.
Art is survived by his wife Gladys, son John (Peri) of West De Moines, Iowa, daughter Kristine (Tim) Van Hofwegen of Bellflower, California, Beloved grandchildren Dustin 27, Daniel 25, Mark 22, Hilary 22, Heather 20, Holly 20, and Heidi 17, and one amazing great-grandchild, Isabella 1, brother James, and sister Janice. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Tracey, and brother Ronald.
Arrangements under the direction of Whites Funeral Home, Bellflower, CA.
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