Michael Wayne Halland

June 17, 1954 – May 23, 2026

Michael “Mike” Wayne Halland, age 71, passed away peacefully in his home, listening to the sound of his grandchildren’s laughter nearby.

Mike was born on June 17, 1954, in Mahnomen, Minnesota, to Millard and Jean (Mann) Halland. He grew up in the close-knit community of Gary, Minnesota, surrounded by a large, loving family who were also his lifelong friends. In his childhood, Mike learned the value of hard work while working on the family farm owned by his uncle Lester Halland. A standout athlete at Gary Senior High School, Mike’s grit and teamwork earned him All-Conference honors in football during both his junior and senior years before graduating in the class of 1972.

Following high school, Mike answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Army. From 1972 to 1975, he was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington state. After his honorable discharge, Mike returned home and found his true professional passion on the open road. He began driving semi-trucks for Harlow Gunderson before transitioning to Valley Express, where he dedicated 40 proud years as a driver. Trucking was more than a job for Mike; it was a passion that took him on grand adventures, including a memorable month-long drive to Alaska. His career came full circle toward the end of his life, combining his love for the road with his roots by delivering drain tiles to local farmers.

In 1977, Mike met the love of his life, Renee. The two were wed in 1982 and built a beautiful life rooted in love and devotion. Together they welcomed three beautiful and dedicated daughters. In 2018, Mike stepped into his favorite role yet: becoming a grandfather. He was ultimately blessed with five wonderful grandchildren who were the absolute light of his life.

Mike was defined by his calm, gentle, and loving presence. A steady provider for his family, he found his greatest joy in the simple things: spending time on the farm, watching old Western movies, and teaching his grandchildren to whistle. He was also a sharp card player, always ready for a game of Pinochle, and was fondly known to be excellent at counting cards. Above all, Mike loved being with his family. He left a lasting mark in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Renee Halland; his three daughters: Jacki (Korey) Martinson, Kristin (Roger) Feltman, and Jill (Daniel) Stuart; his beloved grandchildren: Tyler, Aspyn, Blakely, and Kase Martinson, and Gemma Stuart; his siblings: Jo Arlene (Benjamin) Uselman, Ronald (Glenda) Halland, Maynard (Nancy) Halland, Mary Lee (Wade) Van Portfliet, Debra (Roger) Stuhaug, Diane (Dean) Wiser, Terry (Denise) Halland, and Timothy Halland; his uncles: Lester (Darlene) Halland and Phillip (Gloria) Halland; as well as many cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Millard and Jean Halland; his sister-in-law, Betty Halland; his mother-in-law Madonna (Svir) Desrocher and father-in-law Wilbur Desrocher; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Anna and Ray Desrocher; and 4 unborn grandchildren who he now teaches to whistle in heaven.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Moorhead American Legion.

Visitation will be Friday, June 5, from 10:00 - 11:00 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 AM, in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Please join the family for a time of celebration at the Moorhead American Legion following the service.

Interment will be at Fargo National Cemetery, Harwood, ND.