The Very Reverend John Hall

The Very Reverend Dr. John Liston Hall, Dean Emeritus of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Davenport, Iowa, died on January 27, 2023 in Iowa City at age 85. He lived in gratitude for his dearly loved family and friends and for the grace of a life abundant with blessings.

John Liston Hall was born on June 20, 1937 in Elmwood, Nebraska, the son of Ted G. Hall and Margaret (Liston) Hall. Delivered at home by his grandfather, Dr. O. E. Liston, he was grateful for an idyllic childhood doted on by his parents and grandparents.

After graduating from the University of Nebraska in 1958, John attended Seabury-Western Theological Seminary receiving a Master of Divinity Degree. Ordained deacon and priest in the Episcopal Church, he served as Vicar of St. Joseph’s Church in Mullen, Nebraska, before returning to the University to earn a Master of Arts Degree and a Ph.D. in English literature.

It was there that he met and married his wife Kay Huffaker at St. Mark’s on the Campus. They shared fifty-six years of marriage and over fifty years raising five foster and adopted children. In 1972 John and Kay moved to Decatur, Illinois, where John served as an Assistant Professor of English at Millikin University. They found a loving community at St. John’s Episcopal Church where John later was privileged to serve as rector for ten years.

In 1989 John was called as Dean to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Davenport, Iowa, a position he held for sixteen years. Under his leadership the Haines Parish House, Waterman-Teichman Chapel, and Haines Spire were built; Positive Parenting at Trinity, childcare for preschool children, was established; and women became included in liturgical roles. He served the Diocese of Iowa in many capacities including the Standing Committee and Commission on the Ministry. He was president of Churches United and a member of the Board of Directors of St. Luke’s Hospital and the Yom HaShoah committee. Still devoted to Trinity Cathedral in retirement, he assisted with pastoral care. He especially enjoyed telling stories with his friends; a particular joy was lunch with his colleagues at the Outing Club.

Those honoring his memory include his wife Kay, daughters Sarah Hall-Minks (Derik Ruhm), Suzanna Hall, Dava Noell, Kyung Sook Hwang (Lee), son James Hall, M.D. (Jonna); grandchildren Harper, Hudson, and Harrison Hall; a sister Mary Woodward (Mark); nieces and nephews; and his beloved Liston cousins and their spouses. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Hall, M.D.

The funeral service will be at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Saturday, February 25 at 10 am with The Right Reverend Betsey Monnot officiating. Visitation will be in the parish hall at 9 am with lunch following the service.  Interment will be in the spring in the Elmwood, Nebraska Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, the Figge Art Museum, or The Deanery School of Music.