ORR’S ISLAND — Stephen Wayne Haller, 69, of Orr’s Island Maine passed away unexpectedly at his home early Thursday morning July 26th. Born in Evansville Indiana on July 8 1943, he was the son of Clarence E. and Mary Louise Martin Haller. Stephen came to Maine while serving in the Navy at the age of 18, and quickly fell in love with the Islands. To his many friends and family he was known as Steve, a man who left a larger than life impression on everyone he met. Although he traveled extensively while serving in the Navy for 23 years, the call of the sea always brought him back to Orr’s Island. He attended Sacred Heart and Mater Dei schools in Evansville and later graduated Southeastern Illinois College with honors.
Stephen shared his home and life with his wife, Dianna Hillman Haller and his beloved dog Zoey who were beside him at the time of his death.
Stephen was predeceased by his father, Clarence E. Haller in 1967 and his son Stephen Wayne Haller, Jr. on April 20, 1978.
In addition to his wife Stephen left behind his mother Mary Louise Haller of Evansville IN. His daughter Shawna Lynn Haller Gatto and spouse Stephen Hood of Brunswick, Three step daughters and their spouses Lisa Christensen and Rob Williams of Bailey Island, Shannon Lamb and Jason Hillman of Orr’s Island, Nikki and Shamus Peters of Helena Mt. and one step-son Nick and wife Nicole Christensen of Topsham.
Stephen was the proud grandfather of six, Joshua Gatto of Harpswell, Jordan Davis of Brunswick, Talon Christensen of Illinois, Hailey Lamb of Orr’s Island, Kyrsten Peters of Helena MT, and Payton Christensen of Topsham.
Stephen also left behind five brothers and their wives Larry and Carol, David and Shirley, Mick and Kay, Charles and Mark and Debbie Haller, two sisters and their spouses Eileen and David Kahre and Phyllis and Hans Baur, all of Evansville Indiana. Also one brother in law Ernest and Erica Kirchner Hillman of Louisville, KY. Stephen had many nieces and nephews both in Evansville and here in Maine.
A graveside memorial is planned for Thursday, August 2, 2012 at 12:00 noon in the Orr’s Island Cemetery with a reception following at the Bailey Island Library Hall. The family requests in lieu of flowers anyone wishing to can make a donation to Coastal Humane Society, 30 Range Road, Brunswick, ME 04011, your favorite animal rescue group or to a local food bank. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Brackett Funeral Home, Brunswick.
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