Herbert Jay Halberstadt

Herbert Jay Halberstadt, 87, of South Haven, passed away Friday, December 8, 2017 at tFreedom Village in Holland, Michigan. He was born March 15, 1930 to Clarence and Cecilia Anders Halberstadt in South Haven. Herbert honorably served his country in the Army during the Korean conflict. Herbert married Dixie Lee Brown on September 1, 1956 in Breedsville, Michigan. He worked as a long-haul truck driver retiring in 1986 and at Seelye Wright for 20 years.

Hebert was preceded in death by his mother Cecilia Vailbancourt, four brothers, and step-father Harvey Vailbancourt

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Dixie Halberstadt of South Haven, daughter - Kim Marie (Rene) Garza of Holland, Michigan, former son-in-law Nyle Perysian, grandchildren – Jenna Perysian, Aaron (Emily) Perysian, Jace Garza and Colt Garza.

I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.  I’m following the path God laid for me.  I took his hand when I heard his call, I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work, to play.  Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy.  A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.  My Life’s been full, I savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved on’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.  Lift up your heart and share with me,God wanted me now, HE SET ME FREE.

Contributions may be made in Herbert’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL, 33607.  No services are scheduled at this time.