Carl E.A. Hallberg

CARL E.A. HALLBERG

Hiawatha

Carl E.A. Hallberg, resident of Hiawatha, died Wednesday evening, March 16, 2022, at Cottage Grove Place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Carl was born Aug. 1, 1928, in Maple Plain, Minn., to Adolph and Ruth (Johnson) Hallberg. His father's death, when Carl was only 4, left his mother to raise Carl and his two older sisters during the years of the Great Depression. His life was strongly influenced by her values of hard work and perseverance.

His family moved to Minneapolis, Minn., when Carl was age 12. He graduated from West High School in Minneapolis in 1946. Shortly after high school graduation, Carl enlisted in the Marine Corps and was assigned to the World War II occupational forces on Guam. After being honorably discharged in 1948 he returned to Minneapolis, where he soon met his future wife, Patricia Hallberg. They were united in marriage on June 9, 1950, at Mt. Olivet Church in Minneapolis.

Carl attended the University of Minnesota through the G.I. Bill and received his bachelor's degree in 1952. Upon graduation, he eventually became involved in the insurance industry, which led to a brief move to Rochester, Minn. This was followed by a move to Cedar Rapids in 1959, where he was a general agent for Manhattan Life and later established the Hallberg Agency.

Carl devoted much of his life to the Scottish Rite Masonry in Cedar Rapids and many of the philanthropic programs associated with it. He was a 33rd degree Mason and Registrar Emeritus at the Cedar Rapids Valley of the Scottish Rite. Also, he was actively involved in the founding of Cottage Grove Place, as well as being a board member. He was past Potentate of El Kahir Shrine Temple and was a past member of the board of directors for Shriner Hospitals for Children-Twin Cities.

Carl truly relished life. He enjoyed meeting people and hearing their life stories. He approached life with optimism and determination and never lost his interest in attempting something new. A friendly smile and sense of humor came easily to him. He was forthright and forever patriotic.

He is survived by his son, Dr. Steve Hallberg (Karen) of Ames; his daughter, Cindy Lauer (Tom) of Coralville; his grandchildren, Stephanie Hallberg, Justin Hallberg (Kyra Knuth), Christopher Lauer and Kate Lauer; his great0grandchild, Cameron Hallberg; and his sister-in-law, Joanne Turnquist of Santa Cruz, Calif. He also is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Carl was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sisters and brother-in-law; Valaire (Albert) Merz and Audrey Houston; and brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Wayne Turnquist, Jerry Turnquist and Richard (Ardy) Turnquist.

A private family service will be held with inurnment at Christ Lutheran Church Cemetery in Maple Plain, Minn.

Memorial donations may be directed to Twin Cities Shriners Hospital for Children, El Kahir Transportation Fund, Scottish Rite Building Trust or a charity of the donor's choice.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of Cottage Grove Place for the loving care and support they gave Carl.

Online condolences may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com under "obituaries."