Gerhardt Franklin “Gary” Hallman
Last Updated on February 1, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network
Rev. Gerhardt Franklin “Gary” Hallman, age 87, was born on March 15, 1938, in Weyauwega, Wisconsin. He passed away on January 24, 2026, at Prairie Senior Cottages in New Richland, Minnesota.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Albert Lea at 2PM with visitation to be held for an hour prior to the service. Reverend Carl Hedberg will be officiating. Additional arrangements are pending in Logansport, Indiana.
Visitation in Logansport will be Monday, February 2nd, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m., at Kroeger-Crain Funeral Home, with a funeral service at 1:00 p.m., also at the funeral home.
Interment will follow in Ever-Rest Memorial Park.
Gary lived his life grounded in his faith in God, devoted to his family, and committed to his community. These guiding values shaped his character and the way he lived, served, and loved those around him.
Gary attended school in Weyauwega, Wisconsin. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. During his military career, he traveled extensively around the world as a boom operator on the KC-135 aircraft. While serving, he remained deeply committed to his education, earning his GED and completing numerous classes and correspondence courses through the Armed Forces Institute, the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy, and Northern Michigan University. Gary retired from the Air Force in 1975 after 20 years of dedicated service.
Following his military career, he attended Indiana University at Kokomo and Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis graduating with a business degree. While working to support his growing family, Gary and his wife, Bev, discerned a new calling. Together, they made the courageous decision to pursue ministry, and Gary attended Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was ordained in 1981 and received his first pastoral call to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Rensselaer, Indiana.
Gary faithfully served the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod for 25 years, ministering to several congregations throughout his pastoral career. After his formal retirement from the ministry, his desire to serve did not end. Gary continued to support congregations in need by serving as a vacancy pastor, offering steady leadership, guidance, and care during times of transition.
Gary shared 61 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Beverly, a partnership marked by faith, devotion, and deep commitment to family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur August Hallman and Lydia Katrina (Gettendorf) Hallman; his beloved wife, Beverly Jeanne (Arms) Hallman; his children, Gary Wayne Hallman and Kimberly Kay Hallman; and his siblings, Gordon Hallman, Adeline Hallman, Dorothy Schmidt, Arden Hallman, and Milda Van Airsdale.
Gary is survived by his children: Laura Hallman, of Logansport, Indiana; Kathy (Mark) Hipsher, of Noblesville, Indiana; Matthew (Stephanie) Hallman, of Alden, Minnesota; and Daryl (Christie) Hallman, of Paxton, Illinois; his seven grandchildren: Nick (Ashley) Hipsher, of St. Joseph, Illinois; Jacob (Abbie) Hipsher, of Lebanon, Indiana; Samuel (Hilary) Hallman, of Harrisburg, South Dakota; Katherine (J.D.) Mead, of Cambridge, Iowa; Elijah (Rochelle) Hallman, of Lafayette, Minnesota; Jordan (Elizabeth) Hallman, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Jodie Hallman (Shawn Goodman), of Paxton, Illinois; his thirteen great-grandchildren: Weston, Nash, Beau, and Hayes Hipsher; Noah Hipsher; Leona Ruth Hallman; Emma Amelia Mead; Kaylyn Mae Hallman; and Dominic Hallman, and Lucas and Lorelei Hallman-Goodman; as well as several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, family and friends wishing to honor Gary may make a memorial donation to Peace Lutheran Church, 2220 Carter Road, Owensboro, KY 42301, or St. James Lutheran Church, 430 Ninth Street, Logansport, IN 46947.
Gary’s legacy is one of faith, love, and service—a life that touched everyone who knew him, and whose memory will continue to inspire those who loved him.
Condolences can be shared at https://www.kroegerfuneralhome.com.