Traverse Hall (1925-2015)

HALL

Posted By: Padriag
Date: 2/17/2015 at 11:19:39

Traverse Hall
(March 5, 1925 - January 3, 2015)

Neola World War II veteran dies at 89

NEOLA – Traverse Hall, a lifelong resident, World War II veteran and active member of the community passed away earlier this month. He was 89.

Hall was born in Council Bluffs, the son of Rolland and Hazel Hall. He graduated from Neola High School in 1942 before attending Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Mo.

He enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 and served in the 90th Division under Gen. George Patton during the European campaign. By the time he returned home, Hall had attained the rank of captain.

Once home, Hall attended Iowa State University, then began working for Farmers and Merchants State Bank in Neola. His father was president of the bank at the time.

Hall was elected president of the bank in 1959 and served in that position until he retired in 1990.

Hall married Roberta Ingwersen of Persia on April 15, 1950. She passed away in 2009. Together they had five children: Robert, Roger, Nancy, Peggy and Rachel.

His daughter, Nancy Pettit, said her father was the most positive, optimistic person she knew.

“He was very easy going. He didn’t get upset easily. He loved his community and loved being a banker,” she said.

Peggy Hall said her father met Madeleine Albright and Czech Republic President Václav Havel when Hall traveled to Prague to commemorate 50 years since World War II ended.

“Just a kid from Neola who ended up meeting and sitting with Havel – people talked about it for years,” Peggy said.

Over the course of his life Hall was involved in the Neola American Legion, Neola Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, Neola Volunteer Fire Department, Omaha Farmers Club, Iowa Bankers Association, Neola School Board and served as treasurer for the Tri-Center Music Association.

Hall was a registered member of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

Her father did not have many hobbies, but Hall did enjoy singing in the First Presbyterian Church and Neola Community Choirs. He enjoyed gatherings over food and listening to Glenn Miller, even when in hospice care.

“People described him as a true gentleman,” Pettit said. “He enjoyed being around people, because he would talk to them but also listen.”

Traverse Hall of Neola served in the United States Army's 90th Division under Gen. George Patton during the European campaign of World War II before attaining the rank of captain and coming home.