Elmer R. Hallen, 89, of Kewaskum, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2014, at his home with his family at his side.
He was born on June 22, 1924, in Northbrook, Illinois, the son of the late Ray and Louise (Doll) Hallen, and on February 23, 1946, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Betty” Schmidt in Northfield, Illinois.
Elmer was a proud, yet humble, World War II veteran. He honorably served his country in the U. S. Army 658 Amphibious Battalion from 1943-46. Elmer was a three-time Purple Heart recipient and was a proud participant, with his friend, Don Seil, of the Wisconsin Stars and Stripes Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He had great admiration for our service men and women and loved his country and the freedom he and so many others fought for. Elmer was very conscious about helping his fellow man. In that respect, Elmer donated over 300 pints of blood to help others.
Elmer was a member of Peace United Church of Christ in Kewaskum, Robert G. Romaine American Legion Post 384 Kewaskum, where he faithfully participated in the honor guard for many years, George W. Benjamin American Legion Post 791 in Northbrook, Illinois, VFW Purple Heart Association, Izaak Walton League of America, D. C. Cregier Masonic Lodge 81 A.F. & A.M. in Wheeling, Illinois and a lifetime member in many civic and military organizations.
Elmer enjoyed the Morning Coffee Club with his friends at Campbell’s Village Inn and the Gateway Restaurants. The club solved many of the world and local problems over their cups of coffee.
Elmer enjoyed golfing and was a member of Hon-E-Kor Country Club in Kewaskum. His basement garage conveniently opened to the golf course allowing Elmer and Betty to drive their cart right onto the course. Elmer's smile and deep patriotism will be deeply missed by his wife, his family and by all who knew him.
Those Elmer leaves behind to cherish his memory include his devoted wife of 68 years, Betty; three daughters, Peggy Hallen of Lake Zurich, Illinois, Terry (John) Costello of Barrington, Illinois and Kitty (Byron) Jordan of San Antonio, Texas; a brother, Einar Hallen of Westlake Village, California; his Wisconsin children, Bill and Nancy Heckel of Kewaskum; six grandchildren, Eric (fiancee, Tina) Klein, Scott (Loren) Klein, Christopher (fiancee, Lindsay) Klein, Todd Klein, Caitlyn Costello (Yair Walny) and Zackary Jordan; his Wisconsin grandchildren, Dina (Kevin) Pittenger, Stacy (Wade) Sniegowski and Christie (Bob) Martin; five great-grandchildren, Megan, Jack, Evan, Sawyer and Elliot Klein; Tina's daughters, Alyssa, Abby and Aliyah; his Wisconsin great-grandchildren, William, Andrew and Jonathan Pittenger, Cali and Nick Sniegowski, Raina and Eli Martin, other relatives and many good friends.
In addition to his parents, Elmer was preceded in death by a brother, Paul (Shirley) Hallen and a sister-in-law, Jean Hallen.
Funeral services for Elmer were held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, 2014, at Peace United Church of Christ in Kewaskum with Rev. Eric Kirkegaard officiating. Military honor rites by members of the Robert G. Romaine American Legion Post 384 Kewaskum followed the church service.
Cremation followed the traditional service and burial of his cremains was at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday in the church cemetery.
The Hallen family greeted relatives and friends at the church on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. until the time of services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Peace United Church of Christ or a donation of blood to save another life were appreciated.
The Miller Funeral Home in Kewaskum was entrusted with Elmer's arrangements.