Elizabeth Joan Hallahan

Hallahan, Elizabeth Joan (nee Van Treese) 87, born February 23, 1925 in Chicago, IL, ended her earthly journey and joined the Lord on April 6, 2012 at Agrace Hospice-Care in Fitchburg, WI surrounded by her family. Elizabeth (Betty) grew up in Sturgeon Bay, WI and resided in Chicago, Streamwood, and Genoa, IL and Hutchinson, MN and Madison, WI. Betty was married to John Patrick Hallahan on December 2, 1943. They knew each other as babies and were christened in the same gown, as were all of their children and several grandchildren. During their 55 years of marriage they raised 16 children who blessed them with 61 grandchildren, 58 great- grandchildren and 3 great- great- grandchildren. What a legacy of love this only child started. Betty was an active Mom and a true sports person. She loved games and competition of all types. She made front page news in the Chicago SunTimes when she had her twelfth child at Columbus Hospital in Chicago. The doctor and the hospital made good on their promise of "cheaper by the dozen" with "the twelfth child being free". Betty lived her life for her children and supported them always. Family was utmost in her life. She was active in the family dance studio and loved making costumes. Betty was known as Mrs H to 100's of dancers. She loved the camaraderie of the yearly sisters weekends. Her joy was always spending time with her growing family, especially her grandkids. Betty was an avid reader, crossword and scrabble whiz and a bridge player. She was generous, had a great sense of humor, a deep strength and a zest for life that will be deeply missed by her loving family. Betty is survived by her children, Patricia DeSilvestro, Peggy (Tom) Crawford, Michael (Sherre) Hallahan, Daniel (Jody) Hallahan, Pam (Dave) Warta, James (Julie) Hallahan, Nancy (Jim) Massman , Tracy (Diane) Hallahan, Elizabeth (Mark) Behl, Susan Hallahan, Kack(Rodney) Wright, Patrick (Sharon) Hallahan, Bridget Gran (Doug Ide), and Kelly (Paul) McCormick. Also, 61 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great- grandchildren, 5 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Patrick Hallahan (Sept. 23, 1998); sons, William Hallahan and Terry Hallahan; grandson, Daniel Kelly Ryan; great-grandson, Jaxon Carlson; parents, Walter VanTreese and Anne Haberlie; brother-in-law, Alex Manoni; sister-in-law, Mary Manoni; and great-nephew, Marc Padleckas. Visitation and a celebration of life will be held at Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel, 899 Hwy 15 South, Hutchinson, MN. (320-587-2128) 5-8pm Thursday, April 12, 2012. Services will be at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1040 South Grade Rd SW, Hutchinson, MN Friday, April 13, 2012 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials are welcomed at Agrace Hospice in Madison WI or Hutchinson Hospital Auxiliary in Hutchinson, MN. Interment is at Oakland Cemetery, Hutchinson, MN.