Paul W. Viker, 87, Halstad, MN passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2023 at Halstad Living Center in Halstad.
Paul was born to Lafe Viker and Iola (Serum) Viker on November 25, 1935. He attended school and graduated from Halstad High School, where he participated in track and football and played the cornet in the band.
Paul married his high school sweetheart Rita (Ohrtman) on September 3, 1954. Paul farmed with his father and his brother, Orlind. After Lafe’s death in a car accident in 1955 Orlind and Paul each farmed their own land.
Paul was an active member for many years at Augustana Lutheran Church, served on boards for Halstad township and the Halstad Elevator as well as being a 4-H Leader and charter member on the Halstad Rescue Squad. Paul and Rita enjoyed square dancing, hunting and fishing trips and spending time with friends and relatives. He was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge until his death.
Everything Paul built was built to last. He remembered what he had in the scrap iron pile and made excellent use of it. He passed on his love of hunting, fishing, and trapping as well as his passion for animals and at least some of his extremely quick wit and humor.
Paul is survived by his wife of 68 years Rita, their daughter Leslie (David Swenson), grandchildren Darla and Garen, and niece Catheryne (Robbie) Coté as well as much beloved barn cats: Onslow, Daisy, Emmet, and Sanjay.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother along with his mother-in-law, Rita Raye. Also preceeding Paul were many treasured friends, relatives, a team of horses (Ginger and Snus) from a favorite uncle as a wedding gift, as well as other horses, many “Prince” and “Haak” dogs, cats, milk cows and thousands of beef cattle.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you plant a tree, go out hunting or fishing, or spend some time with the animals.
Funeral: 2:00 PM, Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Halstad, MN.
Visitation: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home in Halstad, with a prayer service to begin at 6:30 PM.
Interment: Halstad North Cemetery, Halstad, MN.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com.
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Homes
Ada & Halstad, Minnesota.
