Mark Hallett

Mark Hallett, 66, of Westfield, Indiana, passed away October 6, 2025. He was the eldest of four and born June 24, 1959, in Alexandria, Virginia to parents, Allen Hallett and Barbara West.

Mark graduated from Palatine High School where he loved playing for the varsity basketball team. From the age of 14 to 20, he worked at the Arlington Park Hilton where he met his wife, Linda. They were married in 1982. In that same year, he achieved his childhood dream of receiving his Firefighter/Paramedic certification and was hired by the city of Palatine- the youngest recruit to that date. Shortly after in 1983, Mark and Linda added three children to their family. In addition to raising a family and working full-time at the firehouse, he was actively involved in his children’s sports by coaching his sons’ baseball teams, officiating his daughter’s swim meets, and becoming an umpire and referee for high school baseball and basketball.

Throughout his firefighting career, Mark became a preceptor for many new recruits. He emceed numerous retirements, spoke at annual 9/11 memorials (even through his retirement years), and spoke at memorials for fallen heroes of the department. He joined the Honor Guard and was very proud of his and his fellow firefighter’s work and always strove to continue their legacy. Upon retirement, Mark had provided 29 years of dedicated service to the Palatine Fire Department.

After Mark & Linda’s kids graduated college, got married, and had children, they moved to Indiana to enjoy retirement. Although it was difficult leaving friends in Illinois, he quickly got involved with many groups including the Cert Team, weekly gin and poker groups, Open Doors, Lion’s Club, and golf. Although Mark had always loved playing a mascot, including being a firetruck-riding Santa at firehouse Christmas parties, his favorite and most recent mascotting opportunity was being the Easter Bunny at the Osborne Trails pancake breakfast.

Mark’s shining light was all six of his grandchildren, both near and far. He always prioritized spending time and playing with them as much as possible. Mark sparkled in his role as a grandfather and his grandchildren loved & prized him dearly.

He will never be forgotten for his loyalty, bravery, compassion, quick wit, and monkey business.

Mark is survived by his loving wife, Linda Hallett; his siblings, Laura Andersen & Lisa Battaglia; his children, Lindsay (Kevin) Zimmerman, Kevin (Sara) Hallett, Mark (Halley) Hallett; and his grandchildren (Hank, Reese, Coral, Ryker, Nora, Brielle).

He was preceded in death by his parents, his dear mother and father-in-law (Corene & Kenneth Stahnke), his brother-in-law (Thomas Stahnke), and his brother (Matthew Hallett).

A visitation to honor Mark’s life will be held from 11am-2pm on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Flanner Buchanan – Hamilton Memorial Park (Prairie Waters) – 4180 Westfield Rd., Westfield, IN, 46062 with a funeral service immediately following at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mark's name to National MS Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.