Viola Augusta (Hanssen) Halstenson, age 96, former resident of Michigan, ND, died Thursday, February 4, 2010 at the Lakota Good Samaritan Center.

Viola was born May 24, 1913 on her parents farm near Niagara , ND . She was the first daughter of Anna (Herman) and Seede Hanssen. She entered God's kingdom of Grace in her baptism and later, as a youth, confessed her faith in Jesus Christ at her confirmation. She attended Plymouth Township country school north of Niagara . She worked as a cook and house keeper in Grand Forks and elsewhere. She met Leland Halstenson, and they married on September 6, 1946 . God blessed them with one son, Loren. They moved to Michigan in 1948. By her own admission, Viola was a believer in Jesus Christ, God's only son, for the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. She was an active member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Niagara and later Zion Lutheran, Michigan .

She is survived by one brother, Gregor Hanssen of Niagara , one sister, Gertie Krueger of Larimore, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Loren, husband Leland, five brothers, Carl, Harm, Walter, Gerhard, Herbert, and a baby sister, Lenora.

Viola's Funeral Service will be held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Niagara on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Denny Neels. The organist will be Emmy Wolfgram and the soloist will be Gary Behm. Interment will be in the spring at the Michigan Cemetery . The casketbearers will be Ray Krueger, Glenn Hauger, Dale Hanssen, and Jamie Hanssen. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Arrangements with the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota , ND