Gayle Halverson, 80, of Sioux Falls, SD, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved her dearly.
The following words honor a life that mattered to many.
Born in 1945, Gayle began a life that would touch many along the way.
Gayle held deeply to the Catholic faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
The community of faith holds its own well — and Gayle was held.
Gayle Halverson, 80 of Sioux Falls, passed away on February 7, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Luther Manor in Sioux Falls. A celebration of Life visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday, February 12, 2026 at the Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home, Parker. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home. In Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be put towards research for Neuroendocrine and Leukemia Cancer.Gayle was born August 4, 1945 in Hurley, SD to Carl W. and Maxine (Hummel) Hansen. She was raised on a farm near Hurley and graduated from Hurley High School in 1963. She attended college in Madison, SD and later graduated from Sioux Falls College (Now known as the University of Sioux Falls) with an Elementary Education degree. Gayle taught in Sioux Falls, Brooten, MN, Chattanooga, TN, and Hurley, SD. In 1995 she was awarded the Governor's Award for History (SD History Teacher of the Year), a true hi-light of her career. She was a member of the Hurley American Legion Auxiliary. Gayle married James (Jim) Halverson on December 20, 1968 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Sioux Falls.Grateful for sharing her life are her husband Jim; children Mike (Tami) of Johnston, IA and Megan (Brock) Wiley of Ankeny, IA; her beloved grandchildren Sarah & Jack Halverson and Dylan & Sadie Wiley; brother Greg (Deb) Hansen of Sioux Falls; sister-in-law Karen Hansen of Parker; many other friends and relatives including cousins who were lifelong friends Judy (Hansen) Stoffer of Eureka, CA, Darlene Williamson of Viborg, SD, and Lori (Andersen) Powers of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Gayle was preceded in death by her parents Carl W. and Maxine Hansen and her brother Gary Hansen.
