Virgil E. Hallberg

1922 - 2022

Virgil E. Hallberg
August 4, 1922 - February 1, 2022
Waterloo, Illinois - Virgil Edward Hallberg, 99, of Waterloo, IL, formerly of Cahokia, IL, born August 4, 1922, in Charles City, IA to Carl J. and Della, nee Bentley, Hallberg, who preceded him in death. He passed away on Monday, February 1, 2022, at Oak Hill in Waterloo, IL.
Fresh off the farm at age 17, Virgil enlisted in the U.S. Army in February of 1941, during World War II. He did his training at Ft Des Moines, IA, then to Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. After multiple places of training including 7 months of Jungle Training in Hawaii. Virgil shipped out in June of 1942 to Min Bay, New Guinea. On January 19, 1944, he landed in the Philippines and fought the Japanese in Manilla and then he fought in Lingayen Gulf, Philippines and went on to Luzon also in the Philippines in January of 1945. His division was then sent to Munoz, where they remained in the mountains until the war ended in 1945.
After Virgil's 22 1/2 years of military service, he was kept busy with a long working career in the private sector in different occupations. He sold insurance for New York Life; he was a semi-truck driver; and was a dock supervisor for Ryder Truck Line. However, most people will remember Virgil for Virgil Janitorial Service, Rug Ductor Carpet Cleaning and Rentals, and J & J License Service located in Cahokia, IL.
Virgil was on the Consistory of his Church, Bethel United Church of Christ of Cahokia, IL. He worked with the Boy Scouts of America and was crucial in fundraising for the River Bluff Council of the Girl Scouts of America. He was a member and treasurer of the Centreville Men's Club; he started the Cahokia Traders Camping Club. Member of Cahokia Chamber of Commerce; treasurer of Thirteen Star Day/Cahokia Homecoming; officer, ritual team, and entertainment chairman of the Cahokia Moose Lodge; Virgil had also served as Governor of the Optimist Club of Cahokia. Life Member of the V.F.W., Sgt of Arms of the Cahokia American Legion, Vice President, and board member of the 6th Division Infantry.
Virgil was great bowler, hunted, rode motorcycles, and went camping but his main love was bass fishing. Within his 99 years, Virgil lived and loved to the fullest. He loved traveling and keeping up with friends, but his family was his focus. In his 99 years he had touched many lives and was loved by many.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, and mother-in-law, Herman, and Hazel Frick; three brothers, Harold, Norman, and Delbert Hallberg; a son-in-law, James Mercer; and a fur baby, JJ.
Surviving his wife of 56 years, Joann Frick Hallberg. His children where: Patricia (James) Sutton of Woodbridge, VA, Steven (Patti) Hoock of Waterloo, IL, Larry (Sheri) Hoock of Pensacola, FL, Mary Jean Mercer of Waterloo, IL; Tracy (Steve) Snelson of Arlington Heights, IL, and Laurie (Luke) Elless of Hopedale, IL; 15 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren. Virgil was also a dear brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend.
Condolences may be expressed online at braufh.com.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of So. Illinois (Orange Team) or Songs for Soldiers or Monroe Co. Humane Society
Friends may visit from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, Illinois. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, February 7, 2022, at the funeral home with Pastor Krista Betz officiating. Burial will be in Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, Illinois.