On Feb. 15 1988 God delivered a little boy to Tracy and Tammy Hall. This special boy needed to go to someone who would take on multiple challenges, someone who would not back down when needed, someone who could be gentle but yet not give up. Above all, someone who could love this little boy unconditionally and teach him about Jesus. God also knew that this young couple did not have these qualities but would have to lean on him to learn them. This little boy would change the lives of Tracy and Tammy forever.
Stephen James Hall was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. His body was contracted and he would need many hours of physical and occupational therapy throughout his life time. He would not be able to speak verbally, and he would have intellectual challenges. When Stephen was 6 weeks old, he started therapy with the AEA. He started school in Forest City Iowa when he was 3. . Stephen was a happy boy, who loved people. He enjoyed many seasons of Special Olympics and won many medals. As he continued through High school, he also started in the day program at Opportunity Village. This brought many new challenges, but he made a whole new circle of friends. Stephen graduated in 2007 from Forest City High School then continued on to Opportunity Village full time.
Covid and new government regulations screwed things up for Stephen and many of his friends. The Day Hab program at the Village was shut down, so now Stephen was able to hang out with his mom in her salon where he met and greeted even more people to wink at and untie their shoe laces. He had his own personal chair and would often be caught snoring. He was a great secret or conversation keeper, since he was nonverbal, but would often break out with a laugh after a joke or hearing about a funny experience.
Stephen attended the Fertile Church of Christ and was often thought of as the best greeter around. He loved to worship God and would get so excited when a favorite song would play that he would hoot and holler. His praise was open, with Christs pure joy shining through him. Stephen, was a huge blessing to his family and friends. Through him his family learned so many lessons like tenderness, perseverance, patience, and unconditional love.
Stephen will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He passed away on August 27th 2024. Stephen’s family included Andrew Hall, a brother who loved to pick on him, Andrew’s wife Brittany, and their 4 children, Paxten, Paisley, Paelynn and Parker. Stephen also had a bonus sister, Jadyn Palmer who loved him deeply. He has many Aunts and Uncles which include Tim & Patty Hall, Tami & Dan Horner, Troy & Tricia Hall, Milt & Margie Berggren, Kim & Paul Prestridge, Vic & Kris Berggren, and Tanya & Mark Maloney along with a huge amount of wonderful cousins. Stephen was preceded in death by his Grandparents, Eugene & Judie Hall, and Victor & Verna Berggren and an Uncle he loved very much, Jon Berggren.
A celebration of Stephen’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at the Fertile Church of Christ, located at 3493 Eagle Ave, Fertile, Iowa 50434. Pastor Kenny Olson will officiate the service. A viewing will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Grant Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Fertile Church of Christ in Stephen’s memory, to support accessibility playground equipment and youth ministries.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel 310 First Ave. North, Clear Lake, Iowa 50428 641-357-2193