Hannelore “Hanne” Margarete Hallar

Hannelore “Hanne” Margarete Hallar (née Reiser) 

August 14, 1943- November 3, 2024 

I’ll meet you at the Rainbow Bridge.” 

Hannelore “Hanne” Margarete Hallar, loving wife and friend to all animals, passed away peacefully at deGreeff Hospice House on November 3, 2024, at the age of 81, surrounded by her family. 

Born on August 14, 1943, in Pilsen, Czech Republic (formerly Czechoslovakia), to Margarete and Josef Reiser, Hanne’s early life was shaped by resilience and courage. As a young child, her family left Czechoslovakia and settled in Bavaria, Germany, where she grew up in the small town of Niederraunau. Hanne enjoyed a happy childhood being with her best friend, Herta Duile (nee Rovny) and caring for her family’s pets. 

In 1968, Hanne emigrated to the United States, beginning a new chapter in St.Louis, Missouri. Over the years, she worked in many memorable establishments in the St. Louis area, including Lombardo’s on West Florissant, Eisele’s Black Forest on Cherokee (where she met her husband, Larry), and later at Phil’s BBQ on Gravois. 

Hanne was a voracious reader which helped her learn English and she embraced Americana through her love of “I Love Lucy” and all things Elvis. 

In addition to her work, Hanne volunteered for Feed My People and the Wildlife Rehab Clinic, reflecting her caring spirit and dedication as a true friend to all animals, she was known for her compassion toward every creature with 4 legs she encountered. 

Proud of her German heritage, Hanne and Larry would take an annual trip to Germany together to visit family and friends. Fond family memories of those trips included hunting for wild mushrooms in the forest close to her family home. 

Hanne’s favorite color was red, and it should be known her home garden was always beautiful and full of color. Hanne was also known for her sense of humor. She enjoyed playing cards with friends and family, and was quite skilled at Rummy and Rummy Royale. Her famous Christmas meal, which Hanne perfected and became a beloved tradition will be passed down for generations to come. 

Hanne is survived by her husband, Larry Hallar and their rescue beagle, Bailey, of Affton, Missouri; Stepson James, his wife Ingrid, and grandson Henry Hallar of Austin, Texas; and her cousins Helmut Seidl of Neuburg, Germany; Peter Rossdal of Niederraunau, Germany; and Edward Rozdal of Columbia, California. She was preceded in death by her parents, Margarete and Josef, and cousin Elfi Merthen. 

Her family finds comfort in the poem I’ll meet you at the Rainbow Bridge,” by Edna Clyne-Rekhy. Where Hanne will be reunited with her loved ones and beloved pets: Silva, Charlie, Hermie Cindy, Muttley, Candi, Molly, and Penni. 

Hanne’s legacy will live on with all who knew her. in her honor, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Missouri or Stray Rescue of St. Louis.

1 Comment

  1. Carol Grotha on November 13, 2024 at 7:39 pm

    Hanne was a sweet angel in this life. We will remember her smile and pleasant greetings when we took our accordian lessons from Mr. Hallar. She never complained about listening to our missed notes during our lessons! She was a rock who kept Larry and Bailey well fed and loved. She will be listening from heaven and encouraging us all with her continuing kindness. And Hanne, I’ll keep bringing sweet treats to your family.



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