Frederick Burt Haller

Born in Lancaster, Ohio on June 6, 1952, Burt attended Lancaster City schools and graduated from Lancaster High School in 1970. He initially attended Miami University and later graduated Cum Laude from Ohio University. He worked in restaurant management prior to joining the Army.

Burt completed infantry basic training, becoming a member of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC. He earned numerous awards and distinctions during his service including the Army Service Ribbon, Expert Infantryman Badge, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon and Expert Rifle M-16 qualification. Upon graduation from the Primary Leadership Development Course, he was recognized as the Distinguished Honor Graduate showing excellence in physical fitness, marksmanship, leadership, discipline, and professional military knowledge.

As a paratrooper, he made free fall jumps. He was a member of the Southern European Task Force parachute team, SETAF, performing exhibitions and demonstrations throughout the European theater. His Army career was his life and he carried the values of service, honor, loyalty, and responsibility with him wherever he went. His leadership left a lasting mark on those he served with. He loved his country and his legacy will be one of strength, excellence, commitment and leadership.

He loved being a paratrooper and took up recreational skydiving during his service. Burt’s Army career ended when he sustained a severe injury on maneuvers while deployed to Vicenza, Italy. His injury led to his disability retirement from the Army. After leaving the Army, Burt worked for the USPS in Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Joan (Parks) Haller, and brother-in-law G. Eugene Smith all of Lancaster. Survivors are his sister, Barbara K. Smith of Lancaster, his brother, Brian (Patricia) of Fairfax County, Virginia, nephew Matthew Smith (Clara) and family of Richmond Hill, Georgia, niece Nicole Newman (Josh) and family of Lancaster, nephew Christopher Haller (Natalie) and family of Littleton, Colorado, and fellow paratroopers and lifelong friends Michael Moore, Tony Marshall, Dean Roberts, and Brian Holmes.

He will be deeply missed by family, friends, fellow soldiers, and all who knew and loved him. Though his earthly mission is complete, his memory, service, and example will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

In accordance with Burt’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Arrangements provided by Halteman, Fett and Dyer of Lancaster.

Burt’s final request was for his cremains to be released in an Ash Dive.