Joseph Halter

Joe Halter, age 65, of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at home. He was born June 7, 1959, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, son of the late Helmut and Mary (Miller) Halter.
Joe is survived by his wife of 38 years, Kerry (Miller) Halter; daughter, Erin (Chris) Varner of Evanston, Illinois and son Grant (Debra Wischmeyer) of Franklin Park, Illinois; three brothers, Bob, John, and Tom Halter; and two sisters, Mary Lerner and Anne Halter; and extended family.
Joe graduated with engineering degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Purdue University. He started his career as an engineer at AT&T/Bell Labs and Lucent Technologies. He more recently taught computer science at the College of DuPage and managed IT for Drury Design and the Glen Ellyn Public Library.
Joe loved his family. Whether a surprise father-daughter dance at Erin's wedding or teaching Grant DIY skills, he was always there for support and fun. He enjoyed camping trips with college friends, winter vacations in Naples, Florida with extended family, and work weekends at Kerry's family farm.
He also loved music. His mother taught him to play piano at a young age. From there he played in a jazz band in high school, in a big band as an adult, and in a praise band at First United Methodist Church in Glen Ellyn. He also played guitar, banjo, mandolin, and drums. He volunteered for many years as a sound technician at Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, IL. He enjoyed live music and attending concerts, especially bluegrass festivals in the summer months. Joe also enjoyed investing and gardening, and could fix/repair anything.
A celebration of life open house will be held at the family's home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org/donate/ or by mail 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For more information please call Leonard Memorial Home at (630) 469-0032.