Stephen J. Halle, 62 of Bluffton and formerly of Lancaster died at 4:12 p.m., Dec. 4, 2011, at Richland Manor, Bluffton. He was born July 26, 1949. in Mesa, Ariz., to Lee Jaygene and Marva Willis Halle. His father preceded him in death and his mother survives in Willard, Mo. On Feb.18, 1972, he married Brenda Saunders in Mesa, Ariz. and she survives in Bluffton.

Mr. Halle had taught automotive alternative fuels at the University of Northwestern Ohio, Lima and Hocking Technical College, Nelsonville. He was an ASC certified master mechanic. After high school he worked for the Ford Motor Company in Mesa, Ariz., and as a diesel mechanic at the copper mines in Arizona.

Mr. Halle Steve was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Lima. He served on a two-year mission for the church. He graduated from Maryvale High School in Phoenix, Ariz.,, attended the University of Arizona in Phoenix, and received his associate's degree at Hocking Technical College. He served Vietnam during the Tet Offensive.

He is also survived by a daughter, Rebekah (Javier) Peralta of Bluffton, two sons, Spencer (Tracy) Halle of Lancaster, Brian (Cristeen) Halle of Boise, Idaho, 10 grandchildren, a brother, Jon (Colette) of Willard, Mo., two sisters, Sue (Stan) Karnik of Ft. Wayne, Ind., Molly (Dave) Conlin of Pleasantville, Calif., and his mother-in-law, Geraldine Saunders of Lancaster.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Beth Trujillo, a brother, Michael Halle and his father-in-law Polk Saunders.

Funeral services will begin at noon Thursday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Lima. Bishop David Woodruff will officiate.

Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Lancaster, at 11 a.m. Friday. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements are by Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Bluffton. Online condolences may be expressed at www.chiles-lamanfh.com