Harold B. “Hattie” Halker

Columbus Grove - Harold B. “Hattie” Halker, 87, died at 6:10 a.m. Nov. 11, 2009, at The Meadows of Kalida in Kalida.

He was born Sept. 17, 1922, in Columbus Grove to Leo and Francis Nartker Halker, who preceded him in death. On April 26, 1947, he married Vivian A. Meyer, who died Nov. 27, 2007.

Mr. Halker celebrated the Marine Corps’ 234th birthday on Tuesday and fought his final battle on Veterans Day, with his victory being peace. He retired in 1985 from farming and Louisiana Pacific. He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Columbus Grove, where he served on the parish council. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9648 and American Legion Post 516, both in Columbus Grove, the Disabled American Veterans, the Purple Heart Society and the Carpenters Union. He was a Marine Corps veteran of World War II, serving in Guam and Iwo Jima. His unit received the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action. He received the Purple Heart for being wounded on Feb. 24, 1945, at Iwo Jima. He proudly displayed the American and Marine Corps flags and showed his patriotism. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards and supporting the Columbus Grove Bulldogs, The Ohio State University Buckeyes, the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Browns. He enjoyed woodworking. He graduated from Columbus Grove High School in December 2001, where he was the No. 1 student. He was loved greatly by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He really enjoyed the caring staff and friends he made at The Meadows of Kalida.

Survivors include three sons, Robert (Phyllis) Halker, David (Vicky) Halker and Thomas (Sally) Halker, all of Columbus Grove; four daughters, Patti (Gord) Ridenour and Bonnie (Mike) Gertsen, both of Columbus Grove, Cindy (Tony) Hovest, of Ottawa, and Sherry (Troy) King, of Columbus Grove; a brother-in-law, Lavern Hermiller; a sister, Mary (Bud) Fischer, of Columbus Grove; four sisters-in-law, Daisy Halker, Esther Halker, Mary Ann Halker and Mary Halker; 22 grandchildren, Lee Halker, Bob (Jodi) Halker, Casey (Brian) Burkholder, Scott (Callie Robb) Ridenour, Shara (Opey) Roeder, Amber (Scott) Palte, April Gertsen, Arin Gertsen, Aimee Gertsen, Job (Jammie) Halker, Jeb (Adele) Halker, Trudy (Chris Devine) Halker, Sara (Paul) Schroeder, Augusta (Chad) Pollock, Aaron (Tricia) Halker, Jared (Michelle) Halker, Colby Halker, Tony (Meghan) Hovest, Torey (Jenny Caig) Hovest, Kayla King, Kelsy (Danny) Woods and Nate King; and 24 great-grandchildren, Payton, Shep and Emerson Halker, Levi Burkholder, Jade Lyn Roeder, Everett and Kendal Palte, Kaya Gertsen, Regan Higley, Kirby, Keaton, Reese, Ann Marie and Abigail Halker, Adeleigh, Carver and Maddox Halker, Allie Rose and Elijah Schroeder, Greyson and Kiera Pollock, Lauryn Halker, Kailynn Halker and Lincoln Woods.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Jim Ridenour; seven brothers, Gene, Ed, Sonny, Rollie, Ray, Dick and Jim Halker; two sisters, Delores Hermiller and Rosie Miller; and a sister-in-law, Pat Halker.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Columbus Grove. Father Tom Oedy will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery, with military rites.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at Hartman Sons Funeral Home, Columbus Grove, where a K. of C. rosary service will be held at 8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be to the St. Anthony Endowment Fund.