Eugene B. "Gene" Haller Jr., 85, of Van Wert, died at 3 p.m. March 29, 2009, at Van Crest Health Care Center, Van Wert.

He was born March 31, 1923, in Van Wert to Eugene B. Sr. and Irene Boroff Haller. On Jan. 14, 1944, he married Berta Katherine Wiegel, who died March 31, 2008.

Surviving are two daughters, Susan Martin McKanna, Celina, and Kathy A. (Mike) Baltzell, Sanford, Fla.; three brothers, John W. Haller, Fort Wayne, Ind., and William C. (June) Haller and Donald (Diane) Haller, all of Van Wert; four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Deceased are a brother, Samuel L. Haller; and a sister, Katherine J. Agler.

He retired as a rural route carrier for the U.S. Post Office and also was a mail clerk and carrier. He also was affiliated with the Van Wert City Police Department and after retirement was a caretaker of Ridge Cemetery. He was a member of St. Marks Lutheran Church, Van Wert, a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in WWII, a former member of the American Legion, Van Wert, and a member of the Van Wert Men's Garden Club.

Services are 2 p.m. Sunday at the church, the Rev. William C. Haggis II officiating. Burial is at Ridge Cemetery, Van Wert, with graveside military honors conducted by the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Calling is 1-6 p.m. Saturday at Cowan and Son Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church on Sunday.

Contributions may be made to the Van Wert Men's Garden Club or the church.