John and Maureen Hall have lived in Kosciusko County their entire lives; they have a six-generation family farm to prove it! Together, they raised three boys and worked and served in several leadership roles throughout the county.
It all began in middle school, where John and Maureen met. They went on to attend Indiana University. Maureen studied elementary education while John earned a degree in business – perfect career paths for their skillsets. “I didn’t choose elementary education at first, but I’m glad I ended up there,” Maureen said. She applied her degree by teaching for 15 years. Most of those years were spent as a first-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary.
Meanwhile, John was the third generation to work at W.R. Hall Insurance Group. The company was established by his grandfather in 1920. Co-owning and running the family business for so many years taught John much; he is proud to still have the company in the family. (In fact, his son and grandson also work for the agency!) John’s father, W. Robert, was one of the biggest influences in his life. Although he never completed high school, he was an excellent businessman and servant-leader. From W. Robert, John learned that he could do anything he set his mind to.
John and Maureen have served in various leadership roles in Kosciusko County and the surrounding community. Among other organizations, they were both board members at the Warsaw Salvation Army, firmly believing in and supporting the organization’s mission. John also served in the Mizpah Shrine in Fort Wayne; ultimately, he served as Potentate. John helped transport children to the Shriner’s Hospital in Chicago, Ill., and served on their board for nearly a decade. Both John and Maureen have been honored by the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce’s Man of the Year and Woman of the Year awards.
When establishing their funds at the Community Foundation, the Halls had a simple reason: the funds will be used for good, forever. “Different entities come and go, but the Foundation will be here forever,” Maureen said. As will the Halls’ legacy of leadership and generosity.
Since retirement, John and Maureen have slowed their pace. Maureen enjoys needlepoint and reading historical fiction; John enjoys an occasional round of golf. They both enjoy their eight grandkids. “If we could give future generations once piece of advice, it would be to treat others the way you want to be treated,” John said. “Everyone has something to offer.”