William "Bill" C. Haller

Known as “Bill” to his friends and family, “Grandpa B” to his grandchildren, and “Uncle Bill” and “Uncle Daddy Bill” to his nieces and nephews, he was born in Oelwein, Iowa on December 9th, 1945 to Jack and Geraldine Haller. His father was a naval officer then an insurance agent for Allstate, while his mother stayed at home to raise both Bill and his older brother, John Haller. Much of his childhood was spent living in various locations on the west coast, but then Bill’s family moved to Deerfield, Illinois for his senior year of high school. After which he pursued a business degree at Valparaiso University, in Valparaiso, Indiana. During these college years, Bill served in the Naval Air Reserves. It was at Valpo where he met the love of his life, and wife of 50 years, Barbara Lynne Graef.

Professionally, Bill’s career included utilizing his business degree at both Grants and S&T Hardware before devoting 20+ years as a buyer for the Metro Louisville Purchasing Department, from where he retired. Outside of work, he was a dedicated member of Our Savior Lutheran Church serving the Lord as an elder, an active volunteer assembling Braille Bibles, chairing the Program Committee for the “50+ Fellowship” social group, as well as routinely visiting shut-in and elderly members. At Our Savior Lutheran School, he also eagerly volunteered to listen to first graders practice their reading skills.

Additionally, Bill enjoyed his grandchildren’s activities; was an avid movie watcher; read many books, particularly appreciating biographies; and enjoyed traveling both domestically and abroad. A favorite routine travel spot near and dear to his heart was a multi-generation, shared family cabin on Lutheran Lake, near Seymour, IN, affectionately named “Tuckiana Point.”

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, John. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Graef Haller of Louisville, KY; daughter, Sandy Haller Gentry of Lexington, KY along with husband Matthew Gentry and granddaughter Gabriella; son, Steve Haller of Naperville, IL along with wife LeighAnn Nachtigall Haller and grandchildren Rebecca, Katherine, and Andrew; sister in law Michal Haller of Portland, OR; and many loving nieces and nephews plus their families.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, October 23rd at Our Savior Lutheran Church with visitation from 2:30-4:00 pm and service at 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider donations to the Our Savior Lutheran School Scholarship Fund, 8307 Nottingham Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40222.