Gerald L. Halbett

Gerald L. "Jerry" Halbett, 93, Topeka, passed away on Monday, August 24, 2009 at Rossville Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.
Jerry was born August 23, 1916 in Mott, ND, the son of Leonard and Alice Iverson Halbett. He graduated from Mott High School and attended the University of North Dakota.
He worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps for several years in the state of Washington. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the 104th Infantry Division, receiving several medals, including the Bronze Star. After the war, he returned to school and graduated from Oregon State University and attended the University of Oregon, pursuing a graduate degree in Fine Arts.
He moved to Kansas to manage Miltonvale Pottery in Miltonvale. In 1952 he moved to Topeka and began the Practical Arts program at Topeka State Hospital after which he was employed as a Rehabilitation Therapist at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Topeka. He retired in 1983.
Jerry was an itinerant inventor, designing games for his grandchildren and tools for his work.
He was a charter member and elder at Community Church and remained active in the church until 2006.
SSGT Gerald Halbett married SSGT Marion N. Tatom, Women's Army Corp, on November 28, 1943 in Philomath, OR. She died July 7, 2007. Survivors include sons, Stephen L. Halbett and wife, Yvonne of Topeka, David L. Halbett and wife, Sally of Seattle, WA, and Daniel J. Halbett and wife, Aleen of Topeka; grandchildren, Joshua, Misti, Daniel J.II, Christine, Jacob, James, Brynna, Connor, Allyson, Taylor, Gavin; great grandchildren, Conall and Owen; and sister, Florence Mitchel of Bismarck, ND.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2009 at Community Church. Burial will follow at Topeka Cemetery. Jerry will lie in state at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel after 3:00 p.m. Wednesday and visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Community Church, 1819 SW 21st, Topeka, Kansas 66604.