Middle River (trfnews.i234.me) — Caroline Emelie Halme, 82, of Middle River, Minnesota, died on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. Family members were with her at home.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Middle River. The service starts at 5:00 p.m. A visitation will be held one hour before.
Early life
Caroline was born April 15, 1943, near Strathcona, Minnesota. She was born at home, according to family information.
She was the daughter of Joe C. and Anna (Pesek) Biskup.
She grew up in Middle River. She was confirmed at First Lutheran Church.
She attended Middle River School.
Marriage and farm life
Caroline married Frank “Billy” Halme. Family members said they built a life centered on work and community.
In their early years, she worked with Billy on the dairy and grain farm.
Family members said she enjoyed combining and field work.
Work history
After the cows were sold, she worked at Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls for 23 years.
She later worked part-time at JCPenney. She also worked summers at a local greenhouse.
Family members said she enjoyed those jobs for the people she met.
Hobbies and community
Caroline and Billy enjoyed card games with friends. They played at home and at a shed in the woods.
She enjoyed travel, including trips to Finland and Hawaii.
She also enjoyed fishing and camping trips with her family.
Her flower beds were a point of pride. She also enjoyed painting and crafts in winter.
Family members said she liked word games on her computer.
Faith and service
Family members said faith was important in her life.
She taught Sunday School. She also took part in WELCA and church quilting.
In later years, she was active in the Homemakers Club and the Holt Keenagers.
Survivors
Caroline is survived by her daughter, Karleen (David) Thompson of Middle River.
She is also survived by her son, Kevin (Beth) Halme of Middle River.
She is survived by grandchildren Max (Vanessa) Thompson of Thief River Falls, Jake (Justine Teie) Thompson of Middle River, Carli (Tucker) Nelson of East Grand Forks, and Seri and Brynn Halme of Middle River.
She is survived by great-grandchildren Rowen, Brooks, and Tate Thompson of Thief River Falls, and Maddox Nelson of East Grand Forks.
She is also survived by her brother, Leslie (Sue) Biskup.
Special to her heart were Derek Bruggeman, Camille Ingle, and Missy Bruggeman.
Also special were Makenna Teie and former exchange student Virpi Halme of Finland.
She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Preceded in death
Caroline was preceded in death by her husband, Billy.
She was also preceded in death by her brothers Joe and Fred Biskup.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Anna Biskup.
She was also preceded in death by several aunts, uncles, and friends.
Service details
The memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Middle River on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The service will follow at 5:00 p.m.
Church updates are often shared online at First Lutheran Church – Middle River.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.