Harry K. Hager

Harry K. Hager, age 94, of Hanover, Illinois, passed away on March 6, 2008, at the Elizabeth Nursing Home in Elizabeth, Illinois. A Graveside Service will be held on Monday March 10, 2008 at 1:00pm at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hanover. Military Honor Guard will be provided by the Hanover VFW Post 5300. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hanover Public Library in Harry’s name.

Harry was born on November 12, 1913 in Belle Rive, Illinois, to John and Alice (Wall) Hager. He grew up and attended grammar school in North Liberty, Iowa and went to High School in Iowa City. After high school, Harry worked as a hired hand on a farm until entering the U.S. Army. Harry was very proud to have served his country and was part of the second wave to hit Normandy, France, on D-Day. Harry then married Eunice Armstrong of Hanover, Illinois.

Harry owned and operated Hager’s Saw Shop on 3rd Street in Dubuque, Iowa, until his retirement in the late 70’s. After his wife’s death in 1981, he attended the Blind School in Chicago. This gave him the freedom to live on his own and be able to take care of himself and to travel. Harry attended conventions for the blind all over the United States and also visited with family near and far. Harry was a member of the Hanover United Presbyterian Church, and prior to his going blind he loved to fly kites, make puzzles and tend to his garden. After his eyesight deteriorated, Harry loved to listen to audio books for the blind and collect various gadgets for the blind.

Harry is survived by his sisters-in-law Helen (the late Berdel) Hager of Walla Walla, Washington, and Margaret Armstrong of Hanover, Illinois; nephews Leroy Sexton of West Liberty, Iowa, and John (Cheri) Armstrong of Saucier, Mississippi; nieces Fae (John) Currado of Lancaster, California, Marjorie (Rod) Brand of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Linda (Forrest) Pratt of Hanover, Illinois; a very dear friend, Donna (Gary) Mullane of Hanover, Illinois, and many great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews, and great great great nieces and nephews.

Harry is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Eunice, his four sisters Nannie, Gertie, Nellie, and Laura, and his three brothers, Clarence, Berdel and Walter.