Edwin "EJ" J. Halvorson

Edwin J "EJ" Halvorson, age 89, of Mankato and Mesa, AZ died Saturday May 30, 2026.

A Celebration of "EJ's" Life will be 11:00 a.m., Friday June 5, 2026, at Northview - North Mankato Mortuary. Visitation will be one hour before the service on Friday.

Edwin John the youngest of eight children was born February 5, 1937, on the family farm to Adolph and Mable (Fester) Halvorson. EJ was united in marriage to Lois Jean Wendt on January 30, 1955, in Springfield, Minnesota.

EJ moved to Mankato where he worked for Pepsi Company and Clean Towel Service for several years. The family moved to Portland Oregon where he drove truck for Oroweat Bread Company. Then they moved Lamberton Minnesota where he started Halvorson Oil Company delivering bulk oil and fuel to farmers in the area. Later the family moved to back to Mankato where he worked for Crystal Manufacturing and Year-A-Round Cab Co. In 1983 they moved to Fountain Hills Arizona where EJ was a realtor for 25 years before retiring to Mesa Arizona. EJ returned to Mankato in July of 2024 due to his ailing health.

EJ and Lois started E & L Entertainment in Arizona. They started and promoted Polka Festivals in the Southwest United States including the "Southwest Polka Party" a 4-day event held in Las Vegas at the Hacienda, Monte Carlo and Orleans Hotel casinos.

EJ is survived by his four children, Doug (Debbie) Halvorson of North Mankato MN, Jody (Lionel) Stepp of Torquay, Saskatchewan, Canada, Kathy (Dale) Berndt of Courtland MN, and Dean (Debora) Halvorson of Overgaard AZ; five grandchildren, Travis Hofmann, Nicole (Mike) Rose, Ryan Berndt, Nicholas Halvorson, and Bridget Halvorson; five great-grandchildren, Ethan Hofmann, Jana Hofmann, Mason Rose, Cameron Rose, and Greyson Berndt; sister, Marilyn Plugge of Columbus NE; many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

EJ was preceded in death by his parents; wife Lois on February 9, 2014; five sisters, Amy, Irene, Amanda, Doris and Darlene; brother, Leonard.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by

Mankato Area Funeral Homes.

Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.