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M. Harold Hall

October 21, 1915 - November 10, 2008
Grand Rapids, MI

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Visitation

Friday, November 14, 2008
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST
Dykstra Funeral Homes
Downtown Holland Chapel
29 East Ninth Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 392-2348
Driving Directions

Service

Friday, November 14, 2008
11:00 AM to 3:05 PM EST
Dykstra Funeral Homes
Downtown Holland Chapel
29 East Ninth Street
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 392-2348
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Shriners Crippled Childrens Fune
2211 N. Oak Park Ave.
Chicago, IL

Life Story / Obituary


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M. Harold Hall was a hard working man. Whether he was delivering newspapers, serving his country, or selling various foods, Harold did what needed to be done. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Harold’s story began on a crisp fall day, October 21, 1915 in Fremont, Michigan. The decade of the 1910’s began with America’s efforts to reform itself and ended with its efforts to reform the world. Women were striving for equality, and the one millionth Model T had just rolled off the assembly line. This was a time of great change for George and Alvena (Holmes) Hall as they rejoiced in the birth of their fourth child, a son whom they named M. Harold.

Harold was later joined by three additional siblings and together his family moved to Muskegon for a short time before finally settling in Wyoming, Michigan. Located just outside Grand Rapids.

Harold gained added responsibility in his family when his older brother Robert broke his neck while playing football in 1928. This left Harold needing to spend more time at home to aid in his brother’s care. This injury also required Harold to get a job delivering the Grand Rapids Herald in the mornings before school. He didn’t earn much money, but every little bit helped during this time of financial hardship for so many American families.

Harold went on to graduate from Grandville High School in 1936, and he got a job a short time later at the Arctic Ice Cream Company when he was just 19.

Harold’s life was forever changed when he went on a blind date with an intriguing young nursing student named Esther M. Johnson, in 1939. Harold had been working at a winery in Paw Paw where he suffered severe burns that needed treatment. Harold and Esther dated for two and one half years before they were married on May 29, 1941 at Grace Episcopal Church in Holland.

Harold supported his new wife by working for both Montgomery Ward and the Herman Miller Company, but his jobs were short-lived. Harold was called to serve his country in the United States Army. He was stationed at Ft. Custer, trained in artillary at Camp Wallace, TX, and then was shipped out to Bermuda. He and his comrades were providing support for WWII. Harold also had two brothers overseas providing support for the war effort as well. George W. Hall Jr. served in the Army aircorp on an aircraft carrier and Theodore C. Hall served in the Navy.

Harold was released from his duties and joined civilian life in 1945. This led him back to work for Herman Miller for a short time before he went to work as a salesman at Standard Brands Food Brokerage. Here he sold various types of foods in order to support his growing family as their daughter Nancy was born in 1948. When Nancy was eight years old, Harold was transferred to Grand Rapids where they moved into a new brick home.

When Harold wasn’t working or spending time with his family, he spent time at the Masonic Lodge in Holland. He was a lifetime member of the Unity Lodge 191, American Legion Post #0006 of Holland, Saladin Shrine Temple, as well as the Ancient Scottish Rite in Grand Rapids. He was also a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids.

Harold was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed golf and watching basketball, baseball, tennis, and various other sports from the comfort of his armchair.

Harold supported his family by working during the day for Manor Coffee from 1964 until 1966. He then began working for Van Kuiken Food Brokerage where he worked as a salesman. He went on to retire from Van Kuiken in 1980. Esther added to the family income by working at Holland Communty Hospital and Butterworth Hospital as a registered nurse.

M. Harold Hall was a personable man who was devoted to his family, community, and the things he felt passionate about. He had a strong work ethic and never backed down from the duties set before him. He proudly served his country during WWII, and was a loving and nurturing husband and father when he returned to civilian life. Harold will live on in the memories of the family and friends that he leaves behind.

M. Harold Hall of Grand Rapids and formerly of Holland, died on Monday November 10, 2008 at the Kent Community Hospital. Harold’s family includes; his daughter, Nancy (Richard) Runyan, of Grand Rapids, grandchildren, Sarah (Kevin) Weber , Richard Nawrocki both of Grand Rapids, 1st Lt. Brian (Stephanie) Nawrocki of Camp Lejeune , great grandchildren, Viola Weber and Skylar Nawrocki, a brother, Theodore (Kay) Hall of Newaygo. Harold was preceded in death by his wife Esther M. (Johnson) Hall, a daughter, Sally Lynn Hall, brothers, Robert, Lyle and George Hall, sisters Carrie Belle Rhoades and Barbara M. Fluger.

Visit with Harold’s family and friends on Friday, November 13, at 10:00 a.m. at Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes-Downtown Chapel-Holland, MI, 29 E. 9th St. Holland.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. onFriday at the funeral home.

Please visit Harold’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to the Shriners Crippled Children’s Fund.

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