Joan Theresa (Gray) Hallman

Joan Theresa (Gray) Hallman passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Walnut Ridge Senior Living Community in Clive.  She was 90 years old.

Joan was born November 29, 1934, in Britt, IA with her twin brother, Jerry.  Losing her mother at a young age, she was raised by her dad along with her 10 siblings in Corwith, IA.  She was blessed to be a part of this big, loving family and had countless wonderful memories of time spent at the farm learning life lessons from her father and building life-long friendships with her brothers and sisters. On May 22, 1954, Joan was united in marriage with Robert Hallman.  Together, they raised six children in Urbandale, IA.

Joan was best known for her sociability, endless energy and support of her family and friends.   Being from a large family, she made sure her family spent the holidays together.  Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas were all important traditions held at her home.  Joan was an active member and volunteered at St. Pius X Catholic Church.  She also volunteered at Dowling Catholic High School and for her children’s sports teams.  She took great pride in cheering on her children at their sporting events.  For years, you would see her walking for exercise throughout Urbandale or sampling Kemps Ice Cream as a demo person in area grocery stores.  She made sure you did not leave the store without a gallon of Kemps ice cream…..whether you wanted it or not! She loved playing cards, dancing and was an avid fan of Notre Dame and the New York Yankees.  She enjoyed watching sports, especially the NCAA Football Bowl games and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

She is survived by her children, Kathryn (Jeff) Matchell of Grimes, Thomas (Vicki) Hallman of Urbandale, Robert (Melissa) Hallman of West Des Moines, James (Margaret) Hallman of Urbandale, Karen Rolloff of West Des Moines and David (Andrea) Hallman of Waukee; grandchildren Michelle, Nick (Kate), Taylor (Bridget), Brad (Lindsey) , RJ (April), Abigail (Casey), Megan (Drake), Amanda, Scott (Kristy), Michael (Kristin), Jacob, Hannah, Natalie and Jon;  and great grandchildren Grace, Maxwell, Melinda, William, Harrison, Pryor, Ivy, Willow, Vivian and McKinley.

The last living of 11 siblings, she is preceded in death by her parents George and Evelyn (Sheets) Gray; sisters Donna Knoll, Mary Richter, Ardys Myers, Shirley Hartzell, Rita Burgess and Ramona Anrdorfer; and brothers Paul Gray, Don Gray, Jack Gray and Jerry Gray (twin); husband Robert; son-in-law Jeff Matchell and granddaughter Kathryn Rolloff.

Her legacy of family values and compassion will live on in those she leaves behind.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025, with Memorial Services beginning at 11:00 a.m., both at Merle Hay Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, Iowa, 50310. Inurnment will follow at Chapel Hill Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to, St. Pius Catholic Church, 3663 66th St., Urbandale, IA  50322 or Hospice of the Midwest 9249 Northpark Drive, Johnston, IA 50131. Donate | Hospice of the Midwest