Merrill “Bud” Halverson, 95, of Stanley, North Dakota, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the Mountrail Bethel Home in Stanley, North Dakota.

Bud was born to his parents Lawrence and Ilo (Wood) Halverson on September 30, 1930 in Portal, North Dakota. He graduated from Flaxton High School in 1948. After graduation he left North Dakota to join the Navy for 1 year. Upon discharge he moved to Washington State and met the love of his life, Mavis Olson. Bud and Mavis were married on August 10, 1953, in Kelso, Washington. They would remain married and side by side for the next 72 years. Mavis would often look around at family gatherings and say to Bud “Can you believe that we started all this?”.

Bud worked as a meat cutter his whole life and tried his best to pass on his knowledge to anyone that was willing to learn. He was also a proud volunteer firefighter for the Stanley Fire Department, and enjoyed attending meetings and banquets. He also loved hunting, fishing, and spending time out at the ranch as the camp cook.

Bud is survived by his wife, Mavis Halverson; four children, Joel (Cathy) Halverson, Konni (Wayne) Bohrer, Lori Halverson, and John Halverson; 7 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and a remarkable 9 great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.