Gerald Halmo's Obituary
Gerald W. Halmo Gerald, a longtime resident of both Lakewood and University Place, passed away on October 9, 2018. He was 83. Gerald, the oldest of four children, was born on January 7, 1935 in Kathryn, Barnes County, ND to Carl and Eleanor Halmo. He was preceded in death by his father in 1952 and his mother in 2007. He is survived by his sisters and brother June (Bill) Steinfeld of Fremont, CA; Eileen (Len) Goebel of Durango, CO; and Jim (Gayle) of Graham, WA. While Gerald never married, he looked fondly upon his nieces and nephews Jill, Tod (Yvonne), Don, Kristina (Jay), Carl (Ellen), and Andrew (Maricel), and their families. Gerald enjoyed reading, collecting books, pencil and ink drawing, and traveling. In 1968 he toured northern Norway, during which he saw the island which bears the Halmo family name. Later he traveled more around Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. Gerald's passion began much earlier in collecting historical books. His personal 500-plus book collection covered all facets of America's participation in the Great War. Recently Gerald began donating relevant volumes to the Lewis Army Museum at Joint-Base Lewis McChord and the Washington State Historical Society Museum. The largest portion finds it home now at the National World War I Museum, Kansas City, MO. Gerald graduated from Clover Park High School in 1953, attended Pacific Lutheran College for two years, and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following military training at Fort Ord, CA, and Fort Gordon, GA, he was assigned to Nome, AK with the Signal Corps' Alaska Communications System. His time in Alaska was filled with great memories, flying to many communities and heading to the hinterland by private rail car. After completing military service, Gerald attended the University of Washington, where he graduated in December 1960 with a B.A. in Geography and a minor in cartography. Gerald entered the Federal Civil Service in Washington, DC, working four years as a cartographer, specializing on Latin America with the Department of Interior's Bureau of Geographic Names. Returning to his home state, he worked 25 years with the Washington Department of Highways [now Transportation]. Over the years Gerald's responsibility increased as the personnel numbers in the office shrank. He finished his final years 'putting to bed' the Official Washington State Highway Map, a publication given free to local tourists. Jerry, as he was known to all his friends and relatives, was a quiet, caring person, highly intelligent, very thoughtful, and could talk about almost any subject when brought into good conversation. His unexpected passing leaves a great void in the hearts of those who loved him. Jerry requested no formal services, and a private family grave-side remembrance will be held at Mountain View Memorial Park in Lakewood. The family wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to the staff at St. Clare Hospital for their loving attention during the short time he was with them. Should you desire, please make a donation in Jerry's name to the charity of your choice. Remembrances may be shared at www.mountainviewtacoma.com
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