Professional Connections Lead to Lasting Legacy
Because Norman and Judy Halderson each grew up in small, rural towns within hours of La Crosse, they have always been familiar with Emplify Health by Gundersen. In fact, they consider themselves to be grateful patients, which is part of the reason they have chosen to support Gundersen Medical Foundation over the years. "We appreciate having access to great medical care that we trust right here in our community," shares Norman.
However, the Haldersons also cite another reason for their support. As the owner of The Halderson Corporation (1975–1999), Norman was contracted to upgrade Gundersen’s HVAC control systems, and he was able to see first-hand the organization’s business practices. "I had a great deal of respect for the honest practices, the attention to building relationships and the willingness of Gundersen leaders to support small businesses doing good work," remembers Norman.
Today, it is this unique combination of appreciation for Gundersen as a healthcare provider and as a business making a community-wide impact that has led the Haldersons to regularly and generously support the Foundation.
BUILDING A FAMILY AND A BUSINESS
Norman and his eight siblings were raised on a 120-acre farm in Galesville, so, according to Norman, they all "grew up knowing what work was."
After graduating from Galesville High School in 1952, Norman joined the U.S. Army where he completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and was then assigned to duty at Fort Carson, Colo. In 1954, Norman received orders to report to Fort McCoy to support the National Guard troops who were training there during the summer months. It was during this time that Norman met Judith Ann Fleming from Gays Mills, Wis., when they were set up by friends on a blind date.
Upon completion of the National Guard support duty at Fort McCoy, Norman was given orders to join the 25th Armored Division, which had just returned to Oahu, Hawaii, after the end of the Korean War. Norman served with this unit for approximately two years before being honorably discharged in 1956. Norman and Judy continued their relationship and were married on Dec. 27, 1958.
After their marriage, the couple lived in Madison. Judy worked as a secretary at the University of Wisconsin–Madison while Norman attended the college. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1961, the same year their first son, Terrence (Terry), was born. Subsequently, the family moved to Milwaukee when Norman was hired by Lofte and Frederickson, an HVAC consulting engineering firm.
The following years were busy for the Halderson family, both personally and professionally. In 1963, their daughter, Lori, was born. At work, Norman was gaining a lot of valuable experience. By 1965, he had become licensed by the state of Wisconsin as a professional engineer, and in 1967, he and two partners decided to launch their own HVAC and plumbing engineering firm. Their business was successful, working on major projects such as a 50-acre JCPenney regional distribution center in Atlanta, Ga. In 1969, Norman and Judy’s third child, Mark, was born.
During this time, Norman also continued to develop his knowledge and establish professional relationships by being active in ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers), serving as the president of the Wisconsin chapter from 1971–1972. He also volunteered for the Brookfield Boy Scout Chapter.
BACK TO THEIR ROOTS
Despite the success of the Milwaukee-based business, though, Norman and Judy found themselves wanting to be closer to family in their hometowns. So, in 1973, they moved to La Crosse and bought a home in the township of Shelby. Initially, Judy worked at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse as an administrative assistant while Norman was employed by HSR, an architectural and engineering firm.
After getting reacclimated to the area, Norman decided once again to go into business for himself. In 1975, he started his own HVAC consulting firm, The Halderson Corporation. The following year, he was contacted by Barber Colman Company of Rockford, Ill., a leader in the field of control systems automation, with a proposal to represent the company and market its products.
"After many struggles and learning experiences, we succeeded in building a firm that grew to 35 employees, with offices in La Crosse, Eau Claire and Wausau," says Norman. Some major clients through the years included Gundersen, Wausau Insurance, Cray Research and the Eau Claire School System.
Norman remembers that, at times, the process of bidding for contracts could be competitive and even occasionally unscrupulous. However, he always appreciated the business practices of the Gundersen representatives with whom he interacted. "I was thankful for the fair and honest business practices of Gundersen representatives like Norm Baker," shares Norman, who attributes his own success to a combination of honesty, respectful relationships and good products.
"When my business became successful and it came time for me to give back, I initially donated to Gundersen out of respect and loyalty, from one local business to another," Norman explains. "Later, as both a patient and community member, I came to understand more about the mission and observed all of the good that Gundersen does for the community. This made me want to support the organization even more."
The Halderson Corporation was purchased by Trane Company in 1999, but Norman continued to work there until his retirement in 2002.
GIVING BACK
In 2022, Norman and Judy celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Although Judy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and now lives at Springbrook in Onalaska, Norman visits her every day. The couple also enjoys spending time with their children and four grandchildren (Andrea, Natalie, Steven and Yvonne), and their family continues to expand with the arrival of great grandchildren as well.
Throughout the years, the Haldersons have chosen to support cancer research, the breast care fund and the greatest needs fund. They are also members of the Foundation’s Legacy Society. "We have been fortunate in many aspects of life," says Norman. " It feels good to give to community organizations like Gundersen-and several others-that make a positive impact on individuals, communities and all of humanity."