BRUNSWICK — Stephen Wayne Haller, 69, died unexpectedly at his home July 26. Born in Evansville, Ind., on July 8, 1943, he was the son of Clarence E. and Mary Louise Martin Haller.

Haller came to Maine at age 18 while serving in the U.S. Navy, and quickly fell in love with the local islands. Although he traveled extensively during his 23-year Navy career, 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.

Haller 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.

Haller was predeceased by his father, Clarence E. Haller, in 1967, and his son, Stephen Wayne Haller, Jr., in 1978.

Haller is survived by his wife, Dianna; his mother, Mary Louise Haller of Evansville, Ind.; his daughter, Shawna Lynn Haller Gatto, and her husband, Stephen Hood, of Brunswick; stepdaughter Lisa Christensen and her husband, Rob Williams, of Bailey Island; stepdaughter Shannon Lamb and her husband, Jason Hillman, of Orr’s Island; stepdaughter Nikki Peters and her husband, Shamus, of Helena, Mont.; stepson Nick and his wife, Nicole Christensen, of Topsham; six grandchildren, Joshua Gatto of Harpswell, Jordan Davis of Brunswick, Talon Christensen of Illinois, Hailey Lamb of Orr’s Island, Kyrsten Peters of Montana, and Payton Christensen of Topsham; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside memorial took place Aug. 2 in the Orr’s Island Cemetery, and a reception followed at the Bailey Island Library Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Coastal Humane Society, 30 Range Road, Brunswick, ME 04011, to an animal rescue group or to a local food bank. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Brackett Funeral Home in Brunswick.


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