Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Leonard Hallen Obituary

LEONARD L. 'LEN' HALLEN, 83 ROCKFORD - Leonard L. "Len" Hallen, 83, of Rockford passed away Thursday, March 13, 2014. Born April 26, 1930, in Rockford; the son of Mabon and Dorothy (Krueger) Hallen. Graduate of Rockford East High School, Class of 1948. Served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Attended Northern Illinois University where he received his Master's degree. Married Marilyn J. Trolander August 27, 1955, in Rockford. Leonard was a principal, teacher, and artist. He worked in Rockford School District 205, Maud Johnson, Nashold, and Buckbee schools. Member of St. Mark Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn of Rockford; daughters, Kathy (Gregory) Perry of Rockton and Gayle Hallen of Chicago; sister-in-law, Dodie (Bob) McNaughton of Rockford; grandchildren, Katie and Margaret Butera, and Alexandra Perry; and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents; and brother, Mabon Hallen. Special thank you to Dr. Ajaz Khan at OSF Center for Cancer Care, his caregiver, Randy Sprague, and the staff and caregivers at Morning Star Village, Heartland Hospice, and Comfort Keepers for their compassion and support. Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17, 2014, in St. Mark Lutheran Church, 675 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford, with Rev. Donald E. Lavelle officiating. Memorial visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Monday prior to the service in the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial to OSF St. Anthony Foundation or in care of the family. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd., Fred C. Olson Chapel. To share a memory or condolence visit olsonfh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rockford Register Star from Mar. 15 to Mar. 16, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Hallen

Not sure what to say?





Howard Gartzman

April 9, 2023

Howard Gartzman

April 9, 2023

Howard Gartzman

April 9, 2023

Leonard has been part of my life for a long time! Howard Gartzman, Evanston, IL

Jan Petzke Wilcox

March 20, 2014

To all the extended Hallen family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Along with so many others, he was my favorite teacher. I still remember when our two families got together for a friendly ping pong competition. A fun time with a greatly admired teacher, his family and mine.

Carol Born-Bjork

March 17, 2014

My sincere thoughts and prayers to Mrs. Hallen and family - Mr. Hallen - the very best teacher - ever. He was my 6th grade teacher at Maud E Johnson in 1971. He knew how to make school enjoyable and fun and make us laugh on top of it. Terrific artist as well - I too have some pieces of his 'shingle' artwork :-) Whenever I'm asked a security question and it's Who was your favorite teacher? Answer: Mr. Hallen !! He was a gift to all - a gift to me.

Jackie McGinty Sundby

March 17, 2014

Lennie was such an integral part of the East High class of '48. His drawings often graced the covers of our reunion folders for the past 65 years. He and Marilyn were such a devoted couple. My husband and I often ran into them at musical functions or out to dinner. He was just such a great guy !

Georgia & Tom DeSautel

March 17, 2014

We were very saddened to hear of the loss of Len. We'll never forget his many talents & his genuine love of life! To his family we send our deepest sympathy. God speed .....

March 16, 2014

Your dad taught his first year at Buckbee School with our seventh grade class. He and your mom were not married yet and they would have several of us at Harmon Park and we would play base ball. Your mom was always with him and we always thought she was a great person. Over the years, I would see your dad at the malls selling his art work and your mom was always with him. Many weeks I saw your parents at Stockholm Inn on Friday night for an evening meal and listening to the music. I know your mom did not remember me, but she still smiled and had kind words to say. The last time I saw your dad was at the Buckbee School reunion in October. I truly am sorry for your loss. It is very difficult to lose a parent.

Bev Dahlgren

March 16, 2014

I will always remember Mr. Hallen - one of my favorite grade school teachers and a great artist. My sympathies to his family. ~ Lauran Cort Cacciatori

Barbara Brown

March 16, 2014

We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. We're sending you a hug from afar.

Jean Mincemoyer-Alfredson

March 16, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. He was my 6th grade teacher. I remember the wonderful skating parties we used to have. He was a great teacher and I felt privileged to have been in his class. I saw him many times over the years and it was always fun to catch up on life. I still have some of his art-work. I pray that you will find comfort from all the memories that you have and from knowing that he is safe in the arms of Jesus living a pain-free perfect life. God be with you all.

Melissa Smith-Bourgord

March 16, 2014

My condolences to the family! Mr. Hallen was my 6th grade teacher in 1985. He was a great teacher and I admired his artwork! We were always asking him to make us pictures of his "clowns". ;) He treated every one of his students like they were one of his own...I am blessed to have been taught by this amazing teacher! God bless!

Dave Asprooth

March 15, 2014

Favorite teacher, artist, quarterback, ping pong wizard, friend and neighbor during the late 1960's. Lasting influence to be sure; a most unforgettable, talented, amazing guy. See you on the other side! Warmest sympathies to the family,

March 15, 2014

And so the family circle grows smaller....sending condolences across the miles Lynne and Rich Cosmano

March 15, 2014

Both Dave and Mike had the privilege of knowing "Mr. Hallen". We also enjoyed meeting him, and very sorry for your loss. Gene and Rosemary Larson

Kelly Dallman

March 15, 2014

Kathy & family, I'm so sorry for your loss of Leonard. I feel incredibly lucky to have known him for the years I did. God bless you now & always.

Brad Widstrom

March 15, 2014

I was privileged to have had Mr. Hallen as my sixth grade teacher at Johnson School. He was my favorite K-12 teacher and made a significant impact on my life. Probably one of the reasons I dedicated my life to professional education and ministry. Mr. Hallen's life and impact will continue into many future generations through his family and the lives of the rest of us who were able to call him teacher and friend. Thanks Mr. Hallen!

Carl and Mary Pearson

March 15, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. We remember him being at the mall and have great memories of him working in RPS 205.

March 15, 2014

My condolences to Marilyn and family. I've known Len since the mid-forties. He was always a nice guy!
Jack DeCamp

Edward Hogshead

March 15, 2014

We will miss you, Lenny, at the table tennis club! You were always full of energy and someone who kept everyone on their toes with your unique humor!

I first met Lenny in 1969 and learned from him both in table tennis and in life. He worked with kids teaching and being a principal with many of his former students becoming successful members of society.

I never heard him complain about the various episodes with his health. We all could learn from him to accept things in life that come along and deal with each one with respect and integrity.

Thank you for impacting my life and the lives of others.

Ed

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Make a Donation
in Leonard Hallen's name

Memorial Events
for Leonard Hallen

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Olson Funeral and Cremation Services, Fred C. Olson Chapel - Rockford

1001 Second Avenue, Rockford, IL 61104

How to support Leonard's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Leonard Hallen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored