Marlene A. Hallman

Marlene A. Hallman of Huntley, IL died on August 10, 2025. Her earthly life came to a grace-filled and peaceful Amen surrounded by family at age 93. Marlene was born June 20, 1932 in West Suburban Hospital, Oak Park, IL the oldest child of Herbert O. and Anna S. (nee Fuhrman) Krueger. She grew up in River Forest, IL and attended Willard Grade School and Oak Park-River Forest High School. Marlene was a lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest, IL where she was baptized on July 31, 1932 by Pastor Otto A. Geiseman. Sponsors were Aunt Marguerite Krueger and Great-uncle Art Forster. She was confirmed at Grace on Palm Sunday, April 14, 1946. On September 9, 1950 she was married to A. Howard Hallman also officiated by Pastor Geiseman. Marlene was very active at Grace where, besides weekly worship, she was a former member of the Young Adults group, Altar Guild (with Howard), and Women's Society where she helped organize the yearly sale. In her later years she led the "Grace Notes" newsletter group where she could always be counted on to bring some fresh-baked treats. She attended the weekly Cornerstone senior group and often told her family "we're at church 4 days out of 7." After 27 years in Bellwood, IL, Marlene and Howard moved to Westchester, IL where she lived for 47 years. At age 92, Marlene moved to Dell Webb's Sun City in Huntley, IL and joined Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church.
Outside of church Marlene was an active mother supporting her children by being a school Room Mother, and helped raise funds by working at the Fun Fairs and Hot Lunches. She was also a Brownie leader and Cub Scout den mother and volunteer usher for Chicago area performing arts theaters.
Marlene was first and foremost a mother and homemaker but still found time for several part-time jobs over the years. One of her first paid jobs was as a preschool assistant when youngest son Jim began preschool in Bellwood, IL. Later, after moving to Westchester, IL, she was Lunch Lady at Kennedy Middle School and then a distribution and collections manager for the Westchester News, the local newspaper. One of Marlene's favorite experiences was working at Goers Greenhouse in La Grange, IL for many years where she cultivated a love of flowers, especially geraniums. At home, Marlene would grow her own geraniums from cuttings she made each fall and at one point had over 100 plants she proudly displayed on reclaimed garden carts that Howard had restored. She also enjoyed having many potted flowers and grew African Violets indoors like her mother. Tomato plants were a summertime favorite and she enjoyed canning the excess fruit. After moving on from canning she would bring tomatoes to church and gave them away to friends and fellow parishioners. Marlene also enjoyed picking blueberries and apples near her childhood summer home in New Buffalo, MI and would make and can applesauce. She always loved having a pet guinea pig until the end.
Marlene's favorite vacations were fishing at Lake of the Ozarks, MO and spending time walking the beach at Sanibel Island, FL. Marlene and Howard also vacationed in Hawaii several times and went on a few cruises. She loved all holidays, especially Christmas and decorated her home every year that always included a live Christmas tree. At age 92 she was still baking Christmas cookies, a tradition her children continue. Most of all she loved her independence and eating her own cooking.
Marlene is survived by her children Cathy (Mickey) Kappel of Huntley, John (Sandra) Hallman of Rockford, Paul (Karleen) Hallman of Village of Lakewood and Jim (Jennifer) Hallman of Naperville. Also survived by grandchildren Steven (Wendy) Kappel, Jason (Kristin) Hallman, Adam Hallman, Michelle (Morgan) Grosvenor, Briana (Chad) Keller, Brittany (John) Newlon and Ryan Hallman, 9 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Marlene was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years Howard (on July 4, 2009), her parents and brother Herbert Krueger, Jr.
May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ comfort all who loved Marlene until we are together again at our glorious resurrection.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 11:00am at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley, IL. There will be a visitation from 10:00 until 10:45am prior to the service. Private burial to occur in Glen Oak Cemetery, Hillside, IL.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com