Philip L. Haller

Philip (Phil) “Butch” Leonard Haller passed away peacefully, surrounded by his wife, Carol, and four children on May 21, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska. He fought a very courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Phil was a beloved husband, father, “PaPa,” son, and brother, who was known for his generous heart, unwavering faith, and creativity.

Phil was born on October 5, 1948. He was the second of four children born to his parents Philip and Jeanne Haller (both deceased). His siblings include Bob (Mary Jo)(both deceased), Jim (Carol), and Ann Kennedy (Travis). He was a proud graduate of St. Joan of Arc School, Creighton Prep High School, and University of Nebraska at Omaha. He taught elementary school for five years before transitioning to business forms sales. He started his own business, Haller Business Forms, which he managed successfully until his retirement in 2021. He was passionate about customer service and personal relationships. His clients called him “Action Man,” as he always had an “immediate response to customers’ problems and concerns.” He gave 110% effort to everything he did.

Phil’s greatest love was his wife, Carol, who he was married to for almost 48 years. Their love story was one of the greatest of all time. In Phil’s own words, “it is a special love,” a statement that was witnessed by all who knew them. They met as coworkers at Sears. They did everything together. For many years, Phil (lovingly known as Philly) brought Carol a weekly rose, which he accompanied with a love note. He did this religiously every week until the very end. He helped in her third grade classroom, always bringing a fun surprise or competition to her students. Phil and Carol loved their Thursday night dates, which they affectionately called, “PNO - Parents Night Out.”  They continued that tradition even as empty nesters.

Phil was so proud of his four children: Katie (Brad) Trenkle of Prairie Village, KS; Lindsey (Andy) Kneifl of Aurora, CO; Melissa (Jacob) Krebs of Omaha, NE; and William Ryan (Laura) Haller of Lexington, KY.  He was equally proud of his nine grandchildren: Annie, Molly Kate, Ben, Hank, Caroline, Allison, Oliver Philip, Philip Maxwell, and Yardley.  

Phil was an avid lover of sports. He was inducted into the Omaha Softball Hall of Fame in 1994. He coached many teams throughout the years, including the Teddy Bears and Fireballs soccer teams and the Lady Magix and Great Jam basketball teams. He was also the voice of the Lady Skutt Catholic Skyhawks basketball team from 1994 to 1998.  He loved watching his grandchildren play sports, and he spent many hours playing catch, shooting hoops, or pitching the ball to them in the backyard.  He was the first phone call grandchildren made after their games, as he proudly rewarded them for each of their goals, hits, and touchdowns. He also loved watching the Los Angeles Dodgers play, and he took several trips with his son and grandson to see them play at different stadiums. Phil was also an avid Creighton Bluejays, Nebraska Huskers, and Green Bay Packers fan. For many years he hosted an infamous Husker football party in his backyard for family, friends, and neighbors. He loved all competition, and he loved to have fun!

Phil’s greatest attribute was his unwavering commitment to his Catholic faith. Phil and Carol were original members at St. Wenceslaus Church, and they enjoyed going to mass together. He lived his faith by deeply loving others, showing forgiveness, and always serving those that were in great need. He always said, “if it is to be, it is up to me.”  

Please join the family for a visitation at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church from 5:00 to 7:00 on Tuesday evening, May 28, 2024, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 pm.  A Celebration of Phil’s life will be held at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.  The family invites you to please wear a touch of blue to the services to celebrate Phil’s love for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Creighton Bluejays.