Beryl Dean Halterman

Beryl passed away on December 4, 2024, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center from complications of pneumonia.

He was born July 10, 1930, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Chris and Edna (Mead) Halterman. Beryl was resilient in facing the challenges that life brought his way. After the death of his parents, he made his home with his foster parents, Mun and Flossie Moody, until he graduated from Maxwell Iowa High School. He served as an Aerographer in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954, which led to a life-long fascination with the weather and travel. After his service, he attended Drake University, majoring in accounting. Beryl practiced as a Certified Public Accountant in Illinois and Iowa from 1957 to 1975 and then entered private business, working until 2022.

Beryl’s life was dedicated to his family, supporting his children’s school and church activities and encouraging their educational pursuits. He loved Des Moines and was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church for many years. Beryl enjoyed working, traveling (especially trips to Hawaii), country music, card games with his friends, sports (particularly Drake and University of Iowa football and basketball) and spending time with his family, especially the life he shared with each of his wives. He was a kind, thoughtful, and eternally optimistic man, often expressing gratitude for the blessings and people in his life. His concern for the needs of underprivileged children led him to serve on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa and the YMCA Boys Home of Iowa (now Ellipsis).

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Lea Halterman; his children, Carla (Dale) Stephens of Omaha, Chris (Anita) Halterman of West Des Moines, and Karin Halterman (Erin Brennan) of Asheville, North Carolina; five grandchildren, Margaret (Brian) Halterman-Dess, Sarah Halterman, Andrew Halterman, Lauren Stephens, and Brooke (Zach) Justus. He is also survived by a stepson, Clarke Van Meter of Delhi, Iowa and his son Michael; a foster brother, Eugene (Ruth) Moody of Maxwell; and several nieces and nephews.

Beryl was preceded in death by his wife of forty-five years, Joan Meyers Halterman, his parents, brother, four sisters, stepdaughter, foster parents, and foster sister.

Visitation will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, East Village, 605 Lyon Street on Tuesday, December 17th from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. Funeral services will be held immediately following at 1:00 pm, with burial in Peoria Cemetery near Maxwell at the conclusion of the service.

Memorial contributions to assist Iowa’s youth and families in need may be made to Ellipsis, 7225 NW 58th Street, PO Box 39, Johnston, Iowa 50131.

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