Theresa Ann Halm

Theresa Ann Halm passed away at the age of 92 on January 24, 2026.

Theresa was the second child born to John and Josephine (Nowicki) Topolski. First meeting at the age of 16, she married Walter Halm in Oglesby, celebrating 66 years of marriage in April 2021. She graduated from LP High School, continuing her education at LPO Junior College.

From an early age, Theresa enjoyed music. As a child, when her family was asleep, she would sneak out of bed to listen to the radio. Theresa's voice was a mellifluous legit soprano. She sang at weddings, for women's organizations, and participated in numerous productions. She was a member of the Harmoneers as well as the church choir at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Peru.

Throughout her life, Theresa was always working...starting as an usher at the movies, a typist at Westclox, working at Peru Federal Savings and Loan, Peru Township offices, and as a stay-at-home mother for 18 years. She was a troop leader for Girl Scouts, volunteering at both the LaSalle Food Pantry and the IVCH gift shop. Theresa was a member of the Red Hats and for 55 years would meet regularly with her close friends to play bridge. She was an avid reader, she enjoyed tennis, baking, and puzzle books, she was a devotee of Game Show Network and was always working on a jigsaw puzzle. After a concert performance in Chicago, a critic remarked "she had the voice of an angel and was only missing the wings". Now she has her wings, and her voice will live in the memory of anyone who had the honor of knowing her.

Survivors include her daughter, Kay (Terry) Schroeder, and her sons, Michael Halm, Jay (Rendy) Halm and Scott Halm (Darren Lee); five grandchildren, Trevor Halm, Lyndsay (Keith) Moentnish, Kristine (John) Balavitch, Max Halm and Sam Halm; six great grandchildren, Landen, Laiken and Lennox Halm, Jase, Audrey and Hudson Moentnish.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Walter Halm (2022), son, William Halm (2000), and sister, Bernice Cofoid (2008).

A private family service will be held. Ptak Funeral Home will be in charge of funeral arrangements. Burial will be at Peru City Cemetery. Father Gary Blake of St. Rose of Lima Parish will officiate. Donations may be made to NIAMS (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases) or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at Ptak FH.com