Ruth Ellen Halvorson

Ruth Ellen Halvorson, 76, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana. She was born on November 18, 1949 in Madison, Wisconsin to the late George and Frances (Corbett) Kirch. On October 18, 1969 she married Byron Alan Halvorson who survives. She is also survived by one son, Christopher Truman (Heather) Halvorson of Akron, Ohio, two grandchildren, Audrey Grace Halvorson and Benjamin Byron Halvorson, three sisters, Monnie Paffenroth of Waunakee, Wisconsin, Virginia Scholtz of Madison, Wisconsin, Sue (Wayne) Thibado of Menomonie, Wisconsin, three brothers, Raymond (Becky) Kirch of Ham Lake, Minnesota, George Kirch (unknown) and Tony (Colleen) Kirch of McFarland, Wisconsin and one brother-in-law, Wesley Anderson of Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Ruth was also preceded in death by her sister, Margaret Anderson.

Ruth enjoyed a long and successful career in insurance and employee benefits. She held roles of responsibility with the Wisconsin Education Association (WEA), New World Insurance Company of Niles, Michigan and Insurance & Benefits Advocates of South Bend, Indiana. In addition, Ruth was invited by the U.S. Congress to speak on behalf of the Third Party Administrator, industry.

Ruth loved spending time with her antiques club, supporting the Cub Scouts as a den mother, collecting dolls, and playing her keyboards. She especially enjoyed her “sister’s weekends” where she spent time with her sisters. Above all, she cherished time with her husband, family, grandchildren, friends, and her dogs.

A visitation for Ruth will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Dr. South Bend, IN from 3:00 pm EST until 8:00 pm EST. Another visitation will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the McFarland Lutheran Church, 5529 Marsh Rd, McFarland, WI 53558 from 10:00 am CST until 11:00 am CST. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am CST in the church Lunch to follow the funeral service. Burial will follow in West Koshkonong Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinsons Foundation via https://www.parkinson.org/.