Bart Halderson

Bart Halderson was my 2nd cousin. Over the past several weeks I was in contact with Bart’s parents who put together some beautiful words about their son, Bart, and his wife, Krista (Another portrait I completed).

From Bart’s Parents:

Bart Halderson, age 50, and Krista Halderson, age 53, husband and wife, residing in DeForest, WI, were both victims of a dual homicide in early July 2021.

It all started when we sent Bart and Krista a photo. It was a picture taken of our windmill covered with climbing clematis in full bloom; we wanted them to see how great it looked. They always respond to messages like this, but this time was different in that we never received a response. A couple of days later we received a phone call from the police and from that moment it turned into a full blown investigation.

Bart was a county boy who graduated from Valders High School in 1989. Krista was a city girl who graduated from Madison East High School in 1986. Both earned bachelor’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. They were later united in marriage on July 30, 1994.

Bart was employed as a highly respected certified accountant and Krista was an administrative assistant for automotive sales. They had two sons, Mitchell and Chandler and two dogs, Izzy and Rizzo. They enjoyed attending Badgers football games and Concerts on the Square. They actively supported several community organizations, including the Kiwanis, Boy Scouts of America, the Optimists and UW-Madison Outreach. Bart was an avid golfer and was immersed in woodworking and home remodeling. Krista enjoyed crafts, cooking and interior decoration. Above all, they were devoted parents who loved one another deeply. They were always together.

Bart and Krista worked hard and were always ready to step up and help anybody who was in need. They were that special couple down the street that everyone loved; any parent would have been proud to say “that is my son or daughter.” We were very proud, indeed. The world would have been a much better place if they would have been allowed to gracefully get old.
We will continue waking up in the middle of the night, thinking about them and remembering how much we love them. Our family is still hurting so much.

We find comfort at this time through our faith in God, understanding they are together in Heaven watching over us. We believe they  communicate with us through our thoughts and other mysterious ways. The message we hear is clear and that is that “everything is good.”

We have forgiven their assailant and our faith tells us their earthly bodies are gone and have been replaced with their spherical bodies in heaven made in the likeness of God, made whole in the prime of their life with no limitations. They can enjoy everything they always wanted to do, moving effortlessly from place to place, doing things they never thought possible. We believe they see how much all of us love and miss them. Our hope would be that all who loved them and those who are going through similar times can find comfort in our beliefs.

I have one recommendation for everyone and that is to visit your loved ones often and let them know how you feel about them. Take pictures and especially videos. After they pass, you will be glad you did –  these will prove to be priceless comforts.