In memoriam: Rev. David Edward Halmers
We pray for the family of Pastor David Halmers.
Rev. David Edward Halmers, 83, of South Windsor, CT, died Thursday, May 27, 2021, at home surrounded by his family. Pastor Halmers had moved back to New England in recent months due to failing health. He remained rostered in Grand Canyon Synod.
He was born on Feb. 14, 1938, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the only child of Clemence and Gladys (Gustafson) Halmers. David graduated from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, with a degree in sociology. While a student there, he met and married Sandra Becker, who was his loving partner in ministry and service for almost 50 years until she passed away.
David graduated from Lutheran School of Theology with a Master of Divinity degree and was ordained in the Lutheran Church in America in 1965. He served six parishes during 50 years of ministry. David was curious and creative and pursued many passions, including vocal and instrumental music, photography, woodworking, hiking, boating and pottery. His playful sense of humor was always evident, but especially when he took on the persona of "Brother Juniper" as part of his clown ministry.
After his retirement from active ministry, he continued to mentor and lead spiritual groups for many years. In 2011 he married Joyce Brown, and they enjoyed 10 years of love and adventures together.
David was predeceased by his wife, Sandra, and his son, Nathaniel. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; his children and their spouses, Celeste and Rolf Larson, Keith and Kim Halmers, Phillip Halmers and Tina Listro, Benjamin and Misty Halmers, and Marina Halmers; grandchildren, Cassandra Rodriguez, Jessika Halmers, Tyler Listro, Jordan Halmers, Alyzabeth Halmers, Matthew Halmers; and great-grandchildren, Carter and Charlotte Rodriguez.
David's family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, June 4, 2021, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester. His funeral service will be live-streamed on the Holmes-Watkins website on Saturday, June 5, 2021, at 10 a.m.
If you would like to honor David's life, the family requests that donations be made to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. For an online memorial guestbook, please visit www.holmeswatkins.com.
“O God of grace and glory, we remember before you our brother, Pastor Dave Halmers. We thank you for giving him to us to know and to love as a companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see that death has been swallowed up in the victory of our Lord, Jesus Christ, so that we may live in confidence and hope until, by your call, we are gathered to our heavenly home in the company of all your saints; through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord.”
