Roger D. Hallum, 70
Roger Darrel Hallum of Vancouver, Wash., died on July 1, 2009 from complications of leukemia at Sunnyside-Kaiser Hospital in Portland, Ore.
Roger was born in Austin on Feb. 8, 1939 to Elmer Alfred and Anna (Cole) Hallum. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Roger graduated from Austin High School in 1957 and from Mankato State University in 1961 with a degree in education. He taught speech and drama at St. Ansgar High School and later in LeMars High School in Iowa. He was married to Sharon Sathrum in St. Ansgar, in 1964. They had to children, Randall and Kourtney. In 1975 the family moved to McMinnville, Ore., where roger was employed by World Book Encyclopedia Incorporated. IN 1983, after a divorce, Roger moved to Portland, where he was employed by the National Federation of Independent Business and later, sold real estate in Portland and Vancouver. Roger enjoyed golfing, playing bridge and skiing with the Bergfreunde Ski Club in Portland. He traveled to many bridge tournament competitions throughout the U.S. The journey of life took Roger out of teaching , which he later regretted. In his retirement he found a way back to his love of teaching by becoming a beloved Bridge instructor in the Vancouver and Beaverton communities.
Roger is survived by his son, Randall (Jenny) Hallum, Tucson, Ariz.; daughter, Kourtney (Kevin) Ferrua of McMinnville, Ore.; grandchildren, Eva Marie and Dylan Curtis Ferrua; sisters, Grace Ferguson, Donna (Willard) Blaser, Austin; Joyce (Jack) Shepherd, Houston, Texas; sister-in-law, Audrey Hallum, Austin; dear friend, Norma Demarais, Beaverton, Ore.; nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Earl Hallum.
A memorial service was held at Vancouver on July 8, 2009. Memorials may be sent to the McMinnville Education Foundation, the Juliette’s House (children’s shelter), both in McMinnville, or to the St. Olaf Lutheran Church building fund in Austin.