NWA Capt. David Halsor

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, NWA Capt. David Halsor

May 7, 1933  -  June 26, 2026

 

RNPA member retired Northwest Airlines pilot Captain David Roger Halsor joined Northwest 04-23-1959.  Widowed two years ago, David is survived by his children and their families.

Please see online links to the Halsor’s obituaries below.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.northfieldfuneral.com/obituaries/David-Roger-Halsor?obId=48849410

 David Roger Halsor

David R. Halsor, 93, passed away suddenly early Friday morning, June 26, 2026, at the Northfield emergency room with family by his side. David was born on May 7, 1933, in Madison, WI, to Melvin and Irene (Moen) Halsor.

David grew up in DeForest, WI. He graduated from DeForest High School in 1951. As a teenager, he worked at his father’s John Deere dealership, often being charged with the job of “reading the instructions” on how to assemble the equipment. David graduated from St. Olaf College in 1955 with a major in economics. During the spring of his senior year, he met the love of his life, Patricia Snyder, and they were engaged six months later. In the fall of 1955, he began Air Force basic training in Georgia, and so began another love of David’s: flying airplanes. During the summer of 1956, he married Pat on July 12 in Montana and then moved to Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, TX. He was a flight instructor on B-25s while in the Air Force, and was often given the most challenging students; because of his calm and patient demeanor, he was considered an excellent teacher. While serving in the Air Force Reserve, David was briefly mobilized during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

 

David began flying with Northwest Airlines in 1959, moving first to St. Paul and then to Bloomington. He flew commercial flights safely for 34 years as a captain, piloting Electras, 727s, and DC-10s, and retired in 1993. He often said how lucky he was to have an occupation he truly enjoyed.

 

In 1969, David purchased his first of five sailboats, beginning a lifelong passion for sailing. He loved the challenge of reading the wind, trimming the sails, and quietly coaxing every bit of speed from the boat. While others grew anxious when the weather turned rough, David never did. Calm, steady, and confident, he inspired trust on the water just as he had in the cockpit. Sailing became another way he shared his love of teaching, leadership, and adventure with family and friends.

 

Whether in the cockpit or on the water, David’s calm presence stood out. In tense moments, he rarely showed outward worry, and those around him quickly learned to trust his quiet confidence. It became a source of comfort and an example to follow for family and friends in every part of his life.

 

After David’s retirement in 1993, David and Pat moved to Northfield, building a home they planned to live in for the rest of their lives—a wish they were both granted.

 

David was a member of both Transfiguration Lutheran Church in Bloomington and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Northfield, serving in numerous council positions. He was also a member of Northfield’s Rotary Club and Elder Collegium.

 

David was a problem solver and could fix anything. After he retired, he taught himself how to use a computer allowing him to continue learning, and to stay connected to family and friends. As David aged his body wore down but his mind remained so sharp.

David will be greatly missed by his two children, Karen (Jeff) Davidson of Kenyon, MN, and Peter (Annabelle) Halsor of Winchester, England; four grandchildren, Emily Davidson, Elizabeth (Jeremy) Bancroft, Edward (Holly) Halsor, and Isabella Halsor; great-grandson Vernon Bancroft; and sister Ruth (Mick) Peterson of Danbury, WI. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, and his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Northfield. Visitation will be on hour prior to the service at the church. David will be placed in the St. John’s Columbarium with military honors, outside the church after the service. A reception will follow in the church.

Memorials preferred to the St. John’s Lutheran Church Foundation.

Funeral arrangements are with Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory. www.northfieldfuneral.com

https://www.northfieldfuneral.com/obituaries/Patricia-Ann-Halsor?obId=32284649

Patricia Ann Halsor

May 30, 1936  -  July 8, 2024

Patricia Halsor, 88, passed away Monday July 8, 2024 at her home in Northfield, MN surrounded by her family. Pat was born on May 30, 1936 in Big Timber, Montana, the only child of Ross and Jennie Snyder.

Pat was a graduate of Sweet Grass County High School class of 1954 with 52 members. She later enjoyed attending and helping with their reunions, every five years, Pat came east to attend St. Olaf College in 1954 where she met David in the spring of 1955. They were immediately attracted to each other and soon became engaged. They married on July 12, 1956, and moved to Lubbock, TX, where David was serving in the Air Force. Their daughter Karen, was born there at the Base Hospital. After three years in the Air Force, David got a job as a pilot with NWA and they moved to Bloomington, Minnesota.

Pat was an active member of Transfiguration Lutheran Church in Bloomington for 33 years, where she served on the church council, as president of the Lutheran Church Women and was a long-time soprano singer in the choir………….