Milo P. Hala

On July 18th, 2024, Milo Hala took his last breath in the same bedroom he took his very first breath 87 years ago. He peacefully passed away surround by his children at home on the family farm. Milo was born to Frank and Sylvia (Kalina) Hala on October 30, 1936, in the house his dad, Frank, and Milo’s Grandfather James, built for the family.

Milo attended a one room schoolhouse just ¾ of a mile from the family farm. He walked ‘uphill’ both ways through rain, sleet or snow, and yes, even blizzards, to attend 1st through 4th grades. After its closing, he attended school in town 5th through 12th grade. He graduated from Toledo High School in 1954, being the first in his family to receive a high school diploma. After graduation he helped his dad on the farm, helped Grandpa James on his farm, established his own land, and enlisted in the United States Army in June 1955 through July 1963. Sergeant Hala completed 8 years of inactive Army Reserves.

On September 2nd, 1961, Milo married Juanita (Thorson) of rural Laurel, Iowa, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marshalltown, Iowa. They lived in Otter Creek Township, rural Toledo on the Hala family farm where they raised their four children Michael, Ronald, Janis, and Diane. Milo and Juanita celebrated 57 years of marriage in 2018.

Milo was a member of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, rural Toledo. Before its closing, Milo was an altar server at many masses. Milo dug many graves by shovel year-round for the Holy Trinity Catholic Church congregation. The family joined St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Tama where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Milo is one of the very few who can say he knelt in prayer before the present cross above the altar at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for 87 years. That cross originated at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, rural Toledo, refurbished by a community couple, and established a new home at the present-day St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Tama. Milo was a member of the Tama County Farm Bureau, Tama County Pork Producers, and the Road Runners Card Club. He enjoyed his time at the sale barns, raising cattle, farming, watching his crops pop up in rows, going to the casino, a Green Bay Packer fan, attending grandchildren activities, and hearing about what his great-grandchildren were doing. He was a devoted husband, father, uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law, suspender-wearing grandfather, and blessed great-grandfather.

Milo was a man of the land. He was a lifelong farmer from birth to death. He had a well-diversified small farm from crops to livestock -steers, pigs, sheep, chickens and ducks. In 2017, Milo and Juanita received the Century Farm Award at the Iowa State Fair. His hard work, common sense, honesty, sense of humor and sarcasm has been passed down to his children. He was a simple man, quiet, friendly and easy going with an attitude of gratitude. Milo was a man of resilience, integrity, and principles before popularity. He believed in natural consequences and tough love to learn life lessons. He led by example, “watch and learn” and how to turn the other cheek. You had to look Milo in the face when talking to him or you would miss half the conversation by not viewing his nonverbal facial expressions. He instilled good morals and values through raising a family on the farm and now leaves a legacy.

Survivors of this Legend include brother-in-law Arlan (Judy) Thorson of Ankeny, children Ron (Karla) Hala of Toledo, Janis (John) Goeden of South Dakota, Diane (Patrick) Dinan of Dyersville, Iowa. Grandchildren: Bridget Hoskey and Mike Dinan (Diane and Patrick), Brody, Nate and Kallie (Hala) Judge (Ron and Karla), Zane, Caleb and Aubrey Hala (Michael and Alicia); Sierra (Goeden) Cargill and Holly (Goeden) Haak (John and Janis) and 5 great-grandchildren Faustina, Holdren and Jerzy Cargill (Sierra and Rob), Brooks Hala (Brody and Micheala), Gemma Haak (Holly and Brad), Baby Boy Hala-due to arrive late September 2024 (Zane and Amanda).

In death, Milo rejoins his wife Juanita(2019), son Michael(2005), his parents Frank and Sylvia Hala, sisters Leona, Irene, and Rose Mary, great-grandsons Simon and Jude(2016), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and many other family and friends.

Visitation took place on Tuesday, July 23 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, July 24 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Tama. Milo’s grandsons, Caleb and Zane, will drive him to his final resting ‘acreage’ via Mitchell Family Funeral Home, to Holy Trinity Cemetery, rural Toledo. Milo will take one last ride down the curvaceous Dupanda Road (Hwy E43) to the cemetery located just another curvy 2.5 miles from the Hala Family’s Century Farm. He will be laid to rest beside his wife, Juanita.

Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Milo and his family. For questions or condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. Ph. 641-844-1234.

– Lovingly written by the family