In loving memory of

Mitchel Halberg
September 7, 1996 - May 18, 2019

Mitchel Brian Halberg, 22, of Winona, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 18, 2019 as the result of a rock-climbing accident in Colorado.

Born September 7, 1996, in Winona to Jennifer and Jeffery Halberg. He is survived by his parents; brother, Lance; fiancé, Jessica Erbe; grandparents, Judy and Dick Langenfeld (Winsted, MN) and Delaine and Laurie Halberg (Hudson, WI); aunts, uncles, and cousins, Scott and Jill Halberg (Hudson, MN), Michele and Daniel Malotky and sons Martin and Simon (Greensboro, NC), Brian Langenfeld and Dawn Rodin and his son, Riley (Winsted, MN), Tim and Amie Langenfeld and daughter, Alexis (Lester Prairie, MN).

He was preceded in death by his close friends, Galen Halleck and Jesse Cisewski.

He was baptized at St Mary's Catholic Church, Winona, and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church, Winona. He attended Redeemer Lutheran preschool, Bluffview Montessori Elementary School, Cotter Junior High, and Winona Senior High, all in Winona. Mitch spent his junior year of high school attending the Conserve School in Land O' Lakes, WI, and taking classes at St. Mary's University, Winona. He then ventured to Winona Senior High School for his senior year so he could spend more time with his friends.

He was a member of the Winona Youth Soccer Association and the Bluffview and Cotter School bands. While at Cotter and Winona Senior High he was a member of the tennis and cross-country teams as well as the nordic ski team. During his senior year he also enrolled in PSEO classes at Southeastern Technical College, Winona, where he pursued his love of Jeeps.

He graduated with Honors from Winona Senior High in 2015. Following graduation, he continued to attend Southeastern Tech and pursue his passion for Jeeps. Under the guidance of his instructor, Tom Brandt, who was also his mentor and former ski coach, Mitch refurbished a previously "totaled" Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that continued to be his pride and joy into the present. He graduated with Honors from Minnesota State Southeast with an Associate of Arts degree in 2017. During his years at Southeast, and for a year following his graduation, he was employed by his 2nd "father" and role model, Bob Cisewski, at ACE Auto in Winona.

After a six-month sojourn in Denver, Colorado with his fiancé, Jessica, living, working, and enjoying his favorite state, Mitch returned to college, attending the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, with a focus on horticulture. During that time, he reacquired an interest in rock climbing and became a member of the UWRF Rock Climbing Club. He had just completed his first year at UWRF, having become president-elect of the club, and was celebrating with a trip to Colorado to do rock climbing with some friends when the accident occurred. It is a blessing to know he was doing something he loved.

From an early age Mitch showed a passion for learning and exploring. He was always curious about how things worked. He loved learning how to fix, grow, and build things and was not afraid to work on something until he found a solution. He took this passion and spirit into all aspects of his life and was an inspiration to all who knew him. He had an amazing ability to connect with his family and friends and be a blessing in their lives. Whether it was joining in a fun filled adventure with his family, spending time with a friend in need, going Jeeping with his buddies, taking a walk with his German Shepherd, sharing his talents for construction, car repair, computer maintenance or hydroponics (just to name a few), or just sharing a hug and his loving heart, Mitch always gave the best of himself to everyone. Though he faced some struggles in his life, including the loss of dear and loved friends, or a long battle with Lymes Disease, he never let these things get the best of him; he was always a kind and loving soul no matter what challenge he faced. Mitch lived and shared his life and love to the fullest, and he will be missed beyond measure by all who knew him and loved him.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Central Lutheran Church with Rev. Mark Dumke officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Please leave a memory of Mitch and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to either the UWRF Rock Climbing Club, River Falls, WI, or the Conserve School, Land O' Lakes, WI. Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Checks for the UWRF Rock Climbing club may be sent to:
UW-River Falls Foundation
ATTN: Rock Climbing Club
118 North Hall
410 S. 3rd Street
River Falls, WI 54022

Tributes

Kim (Bennett) Lund wrote on May 26, 2019:

"Coach Halberg and family - I?m so sorry to hear about this horrible tragedy! I can not imagine the pain and loss you are all feeling! I hope you can find some comfort and peace from family and friends and your memories of Mitch. Sounds like he was an amazing young man! Thinking of you all! Kim (Bennett) Lund "

Mike Carlsted wrote on May 26, 2019:

"I was shocked to hear about the loss of Mitch. I never got to meet him but he was obviously a very talented and special person. I am sorry for your loss."

Sonja Maki wrote on May 25, 2019:

"Words can not express how sorry I was to hear about Mitch. I got to know Mitch this past year as his horticulture instructor. He was a wonderful person and and passionate student. My heart goes out to his family and friends."

Brent & Kim wrote on May 24, 2019:

"We are so sorry for you loss Jeff and Halberg family. Know that you are in our thought and prayers. Brent & Kim"

Jean Jorde wrote on May 24, 2019:

"I was so saddened to hear of this tragedy which took Mitchell from us. May God?s mercy and love, and promise for everlasting life bring peace to all that have been near and dear to Mitchell. "

Nathan Klonecki wrote on May 24, 2019:

"My heart goes out to an amazing family and thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Nathan"

Alex Yorkovich wrote on May 24, 2019:

"I didn't know Mitch very long, just through this past school year, but I got to know him fairly well in that time. He was always super pumped about climbing and loved helping out with driving and whatnot. With me being one of the out-going club presidents, and him being one of the incoming presidents, I was really excited to see what he would do with the club. He was kind and genuine to everyone, and was taken from us far, far too soon. "

Sally Moran wrote on May 23, 2019:

"To the Halberg family - While I only met Mitch a few times, I could instantly tell he was a nice kid and with a Dad like Jeff I?m certain he was becoming an incredible young man! His obituary speaks to his amazing character and attributes! It?s an unspeakable loss! You will all be in my prayers for the days, weeks, months and years to come as you grieve Mitch?s passing? God?s Peace, Sally Moran"

Caleb Rossin wrote on May 23, 2019:

"On Behalf myself and the Falcon Outdoor Adventures Rock Wall Employees, I offer my sincerest condolences to the Halberg family. We got to know Mitch from the climbing Wall in River Falls. After all being the president of the club, he spent a lot of time there. Mitch was a great climber and an even better friend. He was always there with a smile to talk and encourage others. He will be dearly missed at our school. "

Pete Weess wrote on May 23, 2019:

"Mitch holds a place in my heart and brought me great joy when I found out that he was attending the Conserve School. It was a perfect fit for his personality. He will be missed and all of you have my heavy hearted condolences. "

Scott Rowekamp wrote on May 23, 2019:

"I did not know Mitch but he was clearly a remarkable young man, which does not surprise me at all knowing Coach Halberg as my tennis coach for many years growing up in Winona. My heart absolutely breaks for Jeff and Jennifer and the entire Halberg family and I offer my deepest condolences and prayers. "

Angela Beissel wrote on May 23, 2019:

"Coach Halberg and family, condolences and deepest sympathy. May you find peace and healing. Your son sounded like an amazing man. - Angela Beissel"

Sharon Miller wrote on May 23, 2019:

"My heart is broken to hear of the loss of dear Mitchell. Tennis practice wasn?t the same without Mitchell along in his baby carrier. He was part of our team. We will never forget him. With my deepest sympathy, Sharon Miller"

Anji Couillard wrote on May 23, 2019:

"I'm so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Anji Couillard "

The Prater's wrote on May 23, 2019:

"Jeff, Jenny and Lance, While I never had the privilege of meeting Mitch, knowing you three tells me that Mitch was of the highest of standards as a young man. I can't imagine your loss at this time! Please stay strong and know that all of your friends and family are here for you! May Mitch rest in peace! You are in our prayers! The Prater's"

Bradley Harmon wrote on May 23, 2019:

"I will never forget hunting with Mitch behind the house watching the woods wake up looking in the distance to the Mississippi with trempealeau mountain sitting magestically in the middle of it.... God-bless you Mitch.. your gentle heart and gentle soul... touched us forever..until we meet again Bradley Harmon "

Kate O'Grady wrote on May 23, 2019:

"Thinking of you all -- "

Barb Fasching wrote on May 23, 2019:

"Jenny, I am so sorry for your lost. My thoughts and prayers are with your family."

Dr. Steve Cone wrote on May 22, 2019:

"Condolences from Dr. Cone, Gena and Kristin. You are in our thoughts and prayers."

Dottie Kaye wrote on May 22, 2019:

"Jenny, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers."

Kathy Pederson wrote on May 22, 2019:

"Dear Halberg Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. "

Sandy Kramer wrote on May 21, 2019:

"My sincerest sympathies to the Halberg Family. I enjoyed working with Mitch and we were so excited to have him come back, words cannot describe how heart broken we are that this has happened. Please know that I am praying that you find peace and comfort in the friends and family that surround you at this most difficult time. "

The Behling Family wrote on May 21, 2019:

"Our condolences and deepest sympathy to each of you. Our hearts ache. We wish you peace and that you are able to find comfort in the happy memories you shared as a family together. "

The Kline Family wrote on May 21, 2019:

"Our deepest sympathy to the Halberg Family. Mitch was always kind to Brooke and Coltan and will be remembered with such fond memories. Our hearts are so incredibly broken and we are praying peace and comfort for you all."

Sarah Chambers (Stapley) wrote on May 21, 2019:

"I am deeply sorry to hear of Mitch's passing. He was one of my first students when I was working at Conserve School. My thoughts are with his friends and family in the wake of this tragedy. "