Paul J. Hallstedt Died July 1, 2017

Paul J. Hallstedt

Died July 1, 2017

TRAVERSE CITY – Paul Junior Hallstedt (aka Papa), 87, of Traverse City and formally of Northport, died in his sleep on July 1, 2017, after a joy-filled and generous life which impacted his family deeply and his community on a very personal level.  He had strong hands and a big heart which he used to help family and friends, as well as strangers, on an equal basis.  His strong hands came from scooping ice cream, electrical work, working the land and 37 years as a locomotive engineer.  He loved working in the garden with Berniece and helping his cousins with both the cherry and corn harvests.  Additionally, he and his wife developed and operated Woodchip Campground in Byron Center, MI, for many years through which they were able to provide assistance to many people and build numerous lifelong friendships.  He could fix anything, including broken hears, and utilized his knowledge and skills to help anyone in need.  His heart pumped out tunes on a trumpet for the United States Navy in the 1940’s, a talent that he carried forward in which to service the community.  Paul lived hard, loved hard, worked hard, and played hard.

He welcomed everyone with a hug, but was most in tune with his wife of 64 years and lifelong companion, Berniece.  They grew up together as children, married, raised two children, and traveled extensively after their retirement.  He was known by his grandchildren as a teacher of fishing, a lover of sailing, and a pilot of his own airplane.  Paul was proud of his Swedish heritage and to the delight of his grandchildren, made the best “Swedish Pancakes” this side of the Stockholm.

Paul's faith in Christ was strong, and he modeled his faith through numerous church memberships.  Although most recently he was a member of the Northport Covenant Church, he still had room in his heart to volunteer at the annual St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church chicken dinner and volunteering at the Zionsville Presbyterian Great Banquet.  His last 15 years were spent living in Northport, enjoying the summer harvest of fruits and vegetables as well as the clear white winter landscapers.  He and Berniece recently moved to Traverse City, touching the lives of their new neighbors and staff at Traverse Manor.  Special thanks to the Hospice team at Munson Home Hospice for their care and assistance to Paul and the family.

Paul is survived by his wife, Berniece; his children, Debbie (Steve) Zinger and Phil (Sarah) Hallstedt; five grandchildren, Luke (Crystal) Zinger, Melanie (Josh) Dahlman, Erika (John Baez) Hallstedt, Becca Hallstedt, and Nick Hallstedt; his brother, Fred Hallstedt; sister-in-law, Vivian (Bob) Bostwick; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 7 from 12 noon until the start of the 2 p.m. funeral service at Northport Covenant Church.  Burial will follow at Leelanau Township Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Munson Hospice, 1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684. 

 

Please share condolences and memories with the Hallstedt family at www.martinson.info or on our Facebook page.