Terry Haller

Terry Owen Haller, age 84 of Highland, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Cedarhurst of Highland.

Born on Thursday, February 19, 1942, in Highland, IL, Terry was the beloved son of the late Edgar and Dorris (Hug) Haller.

On July 4, 1964, Terry O. Haller married his childhood friend and the love of his life, Lynn Knabel. Their special bond, which first began in Sunday School when they were just two years old, grew into a steadfast partnership that endured for more than 61 beautiful years. Together, they created a life rich with treasured memories, shared adventures, and countless quiet moments of joy.

Terry graduated from Highland High School in 1960. Afterward, he worked briefly as an electrician for DRDA Electric before joining Jakel Manufacturing, where he completed an apprenticeship as a Tool and Die Maker. Once he had mastered his craft, he continued to advance his skills by moving to Chelar Tool and Die in Belleville, IL, where he worked for many years until the economic downturn of the early 1980s. He then spent a short period helping to build a coal mine in Albers, IL, for Korte Construction before beginning his career with McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) in 1984, where he worked until his retirement in 2007.

He was an active member of the Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, serving on the Consistory, acting as a Director for Faith Countryside Homes, and taking part in Bethlehem Revisited. He also belonged to District 9 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers and the Highland Pistol & Rifle Club. A longtime Boy Scout leader, Terry enjoyed Jeeping, camping, hunting, canoeing, and making deer sausage. Later in life, he became an avid sports fan who followed many different teams. Above all, he cherished time with family and friends, and nothing brought him more joy than being with his grandchildren.

Terry is survived by his children, Tad O. (Lisa) Haller of Baton Rouge, LA, and Amy Frohn of Aviston, IL; grandchildren, Abigayle M. (Benjamin) Hahn, Cody S. (Makayla) Frohn, Catherine R. (Nicholas) Osborn, Kristen L. (Emme McElveen) Haller, Zane C.O. Frohn; great-grandchildren, Braylon, Leni, and Noa Frohn; sisters, Donna Korte of Highland, IL and Cheryl (Stephen) Porter of Edwardsville, IL and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Edgar and Dorris (Hug) Haller, and his beloved wife, Lynn, Terry was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Mary Grace Haller; his son-in-law, Steven Frohn; his father- and mother-in-law, Alvin and Grace (Zobrist) Knabel; and his brother-in-law, Ralph Korte.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, and again from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, IL. A funeral service will follow at 10:00 AM on Thursday at the church, with Rev. William E. Kapp officiating. Terry will be laid to rest at Highland City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Parkinson Disease Association or the Louis Latzer Memorial Public Library.

Obit Provided By:
Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home