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The Hallengren and Nichols families mourn the June 11, 2026, passing of Daniel Hallengren of Monmouth, Ill.
Daniel was the eldest of seven children, born on March 16, 1949, to Clifford and Vera (Andersen) Hallengren of Alta. He graduated from Alta High School in 1968. Dan was a diver and an outstanding bowler in his youth. He loved fishing, hunting and camping.
Dan built a life in Iowa where he was blessed with three amazing children: Kenneth, Edward and Angela. Everywhere he lived, he gathered a great group of friends along with many admirers. As an adult, Dan turned to gardening and grilling, specializing in salsa and spicy wings, which he shared freely. He loved watching sports, especially the Yankees, Iowa Hawkeyes and the Indiana Fever and he made sure those surrounding him were fans, too!
Many will remember that Dan’s career spanned five decades in the meat packing industry in Iowa and Illinois. He moved from the front line into supervisory positions. He retired from Smithfield Foods in Monmouth in June 2013.
On June 21, 2014, Daniel married the love of his life, Donna (Nichols) Heins, in Monmouth, Ill. They were both stubborn, funny and giving, and their bond was unbreakable. When Donna passed away on Feb. 12, 2023, he poured all that love into his children, grandchildren, siblings and his second family, the Nichols.
Dan died, surrounded by his beloved children, after a brief but valiant battle with lung cancer.
Daniel Hallengren was an everyday hero to those who loved him. He was patient and kind. He loved with his whole heart, making sure the people he cared about most heard it from his lips every time they met or talked. He knew that in the end, love is all there is, all that matters.
His friends and family described him as a “really good guy.” He was funny and always positive, even in the face of adversity. Dan was known for being a selfless and giving man, helping friends and neighbors whenever needed. He instructed his grandchildren in the golden rule, insisting they show kindness to others and that they “do the right thing” whenever possible. He was an amazing father to three intelligent, caring children who were blessed to reconnect with him as adults. Seeing his children bond was his most important bucket list wish.
Daniel is survived by his children: Ken (Amber) Hallengren of Milford; Ed Hallengren of Johnston; Angela Muggli of Mankato, Minn.; Mark (Melody) Billups of Burlington; Tammy Billups of Douds; and honorary son Ricardo Muggli of Mankato, Minn.; grandchildren: Haley Hallengren, Hunter Hallengren, Lillian Hallengren, Jessica Miller, Marcus Permann, Colton Permann, Ian Muggli, Katie Muggli, Brandon Billups, Jordan Scott, Dalton Billups, Jackie Poe, Elijah Kane, Alexander Kane; six great-grandchildren; his siblings: John (Jamie) Hallengren of Spofford, N.H.; Shirley (Al) Stamp of Galva; Janet (Tom) Borer of New Providence; Marsha (Steve) Hamer of Alta; and David (Charlotte) Hallengren of Brussels, Belgium; siblings-in-law: Karen Sparrow, Dale Nichols and Mary Deisinger, all of Monmouth, and Harry Sherman from Missouri; an aunt, Janet Hallengren of Storm Lake; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother Tom Hallengren; stepson Mike Billups; and niece Heather Hallengren.
A Celebration of Life will begin at noon on Monday, June 22, at Meks on Main at 201 N. Main St., Monmouth, Ill. Interment will follow at Warren County Memorial Park in Monmouth, Ill. Condolences may be sent to: The Family of Daniel Hallengren, PO Box 123, New Providence, IA 50206.
