Roald Halmo's Obituary
Roald Melvin Halmo (90) peacefully made his transition to spirit on January 31, 2006, in Mount Vernon, Washington. He was born on October 27, 1915, in Kathryn, North Dakota, the youngest son of Oscar and Sena Halmo and worked on the family farm during his formative years.He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940 at Fargo prior to the WWII attack at Pearl Harbor. He served most of his military tour with Company I, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, the same Regiment as the legendary Audie Murphy. Roald served with distinction during the military campaigns in North Africa and Sicily, as well as at Anzio and Rome in Italy. He recalled the deadly Anzio Beachhead in Italy as the toughest fight he encountered during the entire War. For his efforts Roald was awarded the Bronze Star. In his retirement, Roald was an active member of the Society of the 3rd Infantry Division, U.S. Army and attended numerous national meetings.Following his military service, Roald settled down in the Tacoma area and took up the sheet metal trade, working for many years with Western Furnace. Roald is preceded in death by his parents as well as all of his brothers and sisters; Carl Ingolf, Sidney, Harold Otto, Ruth (Melvin Carlson) and twin sister Rose (Carl Al Berg) as well as his beloved wife Opal. Roald leaves a number of relatives who reveled in his dry wit, love of life, and concern for his family, including his nieces and nephews; Delores Hammer (Howard), Lurline Hammer (Jerry), Annette Butcher (Jack) Jim Halmo (Gayle), Gerald Halmo, Thomas Swenson (Barbara), June Steinfeld (Bill), Eileen Goebel (Len), and sisters-in-law Eleanor Halmo (Carl Ingolf) and Stella Halmo (Sidney) and their families. In 1962, Roald married Opal (Gunstone) Kelly of Olympia. He opened his heart to the families of her three sons: John (Louise), Jim (Maryann), Jerry (Fran), and grandchildren: Catherine, Cynthia, Amy, Phil, Monty, Kim, Sean, Kevin, Kartha, Kirk, Kaylene and numerous great and great-great grandchildren. All of whom consider Grandpa Halmo to be the greatest.Roald took pride in his Norwegian ancestry, and was ever quick to make light of it with humorous barbs when necessary to the delight of those who knew him well. Prior to his passing Roald attended Pilgrim Lutheran Church on South Hill and Unity Church of Today in Mount Vernon.Services will be held at 2:00PM on Friday, February 10, 2006 in the Mountain View Garden Chapel, with viewing one hour prior. Reception to follow.
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