Harold O. "Hal" Hallstrand

Hallstrand, Harold O. "Hal" Age 94, returned to the arms of the on Lord October 11, 2006. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, May 27, 1912, as a first generation American, to Swedish parents, Gustav and Esther Hallstrand. In 1931, he graduated from Milwaukee's Washington High School, continuing his undergraduate education at Northwestern University and the University of Georgia. In 1939, he earned his M.D. at Northwestern, followed by a 1 year internship at Milwaukee County Hospital. At the urging of his lifelong friend Dr. Ned Annis, Harold moved to Tallahassee, setting up his first practice. In 1942, while continuing his Tallahassee practice, he served his country as a civilian doctor at a military base in Carrabelle, Florida. Results of a 2 year childhood bout with rheumatic fever prevented acceptance into the military. In 1943, he met and married Marjorie Rennacker. Prior to her untimely death in 1946, from polio, they were blessed with 2 beautiful children. In 1949, he returned to the Chicago area, met and married Amelia Marjorie Johnson to whom he remained married for 57 years. They had 6 more children, forming a large, close-knit family, to which he was a devoted and proud parent. In 1950, Harold continued his education taking further medical/surgical training at the Graduate School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. The years from 1951 to 1954 were spent at Chicago's Cook County Hospital where he completed his residency in general and thoracic surgery. In 1956, the family moved to Miami, where he joined his brother, Dr. David Hallstrand, in practice. Harold continued his private practice until the early 80's when he and his brother closed their office. From that time and until the age of 80 he filled temporary positions around the country. Harold's professional accomplishments were many; teaching at the University of Miami School of Medicine, serving as the Corporate Secretary of the International College of Surgeons (ICS) and President of the U.S. section of the ICS, founding member of Tallahassee Memorial, Baptist and South Miami Hospitals (Chief of Surgery). He was a Diplomate of the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the ICS. His ICS service afforded Harold the opportunity to teach, lecture and travel worldwide. He also served as a board member at Dixie National Bank. Besides his commitment to God, family and medicine, Harold was an avid sports enthusiast, coaching Khourey League baseball, recruiting football players for his beloved Northwestern and broadcasting sporting events. At one time, he nearly left medicine to pursue a career in broadcasting. His memory and knowledge of sports always amazed others and became the central topic of his conversations. He is survived by his wife Amelia (Marge), his brother David Edwin (Marcy) Hallstrand, and his eight children, David Paul Hallstrand, Patricia (Bob) Hackett, Karen (Marty) Miller, Rick (Linda) Hallstrand, Judy (Tony) Wood, Margie (Mike) Rylee, Lisa (Marks) Attwood, Bob (Anette) Hallstrand, nephew David Edwin (Ann Marie) Hallstrand and his 15 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Love in Action and mailed to Christ the King Lutheran Church, 11295 SW 57 Ave., Miami, FL, 33156. A memorial will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2006 at 1:00 PM at Kendall Presbyterian Church, 8485 SW 112 Street, Miami, FL.