Edward Haller

Edward F. Haller, 86, of Fergus Falls, passed away due to heart failure on Tuesday, June 22, 2010, at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo.  Edward was born July 13, 1923, in Fergus Falls to Fannie Mae (Waters) and Edward Haller Sr. He attended Fergus Falls schools, graduating in 1942. He participated in a variety of sports, and received the T.H. Johnson award in football. Edward attended Concordia College on a football scholarship until he was called into the U.S. Army in February of 1943. He served in the South Pacific during World War II. After his discharge he established Haller’s Home Grocery, a neighborhood grocery store on Laurel Avenue. On October 11, 1958, he married Janet Opatz. To this marriage they had three children, Mike, Sue, and Sarah. He was employed by Tri-State Mutual Insurance Company from 1955 – 1989. During his tenure he was recognized by his agents as Minnesota Fieldman of the Year in 1962 and 1972, and National Fieldman of the Year in 1962. After his retirement, he and Janet wintered in Arizona for 20 years. Edward belonged to many clubs and organizations, including the Elks, American Legion, Prairie Wetlands, and VFW Post 612, where he was a proud member of the VFW Honor Guard. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church where he volunteered and especially enjoyed preparing the mashed potatoes for all of the Christmas community dinners. He also was a volunteer at the Minnesota Veterans’ Home and Prairie Wetlands, Assistant Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop #305, and volunteer with the American Legion and VFW. Survivors include his wife, Janet; three children, Michael Haller (Sheila Hosler and daughter Kaeli), Susan Haller (Kris Peterson), and Sarah (Rick) Bugbee; two grandchildren, Katie and Zane Bugbee; sisters Helen Clarke and Doris Bauer; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister, Frances Haller. Memorials are preferred to Grace United Methodist Church general fund, Prairie Wetlands, or to the donor’s choice in memory of Edward. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Friday, June 25, 2010, at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Robert Kandels Interment: St. Otto’s Cemetery in Fergus Falls Military Participation by the Fergus Falls VFW and American Legion Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls