Howard N. Haggerty

Howard N. Haggerty, age 82 of Hanover, Illinois died on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at the Elizabeth Nursing Home, Elizabeth, Illinois. Cremation rites have been accorded. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 11, 2013 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hanover with Father Noel Jacob as Celebrant. Burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery, Hanover, with military rites accorded by the Hanover VFW Post #5300. A memorial gathering will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2013, prior to the service at the church. A memorial fund has been established in Howard's memory.
Howard was born on June 10, 1930, the son of James and Mildred (Gamble) Haggerty, in Hanover. He attended Hanover High School and later began working for the Savanna Army Depot. After one year of employment, Howard enlisted in the Illinois National Guard in 1948, where he attained the rank of Sergeant.
Howard married Patricia Rivera on February 2, 1952 at the Justice of the Peace in Savanna. Howard continued to work at the Savanna Army Depot for forty-eight years before retiring. He was a member of the Hanover American Legion and VFW. Howard enjoyed gardening, working on cars and playing cards. He was a jack of all trades, and a master of none. Most of all, Howard loved spending time with his grandchildren, family and friends.
Howard will be dearly missed by his wife, Pat, of Hanover; one son, Gary (Sandi Krick) Haggerty of Hanover; two grandchildren, Brandon (Amy Velzis) Haggerty of Hanover and Zachary (Amanda) Haggerty of DeForest, Wisconsin; one great-grandson, Austin Lee Haggerty; one honorary great-grandson, Ashton Velzis; and one brother, Harold Dean (Doris) Haggerty of Mountain Home, Arkansas.
Howard was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Wilson and Lloyd Haggerty; and one sister, Mildred Barker.