Theodore Hager

Theodore Emil Hager, age 87, died at his home in Rockford, Illinois, on July 24, 2022.

Mr. Hager was born April 16, 1935, in Rockford, Illinois, and grew up there with his parents and his sister Beverly. After graduating high school, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing in 1957 from the University of Illinois and began working with his father George Hager, at Hager & Son, and later at the William B. Fell Company in Cherry Valley, Illinois, before eventually securing his real estate license and working for some years as a local realtor.

Mr. Hager was a gifted organist and played for numerous church communities in several states, including Cherry Valley United Methodist Church in Cherry Valley, IL. A proud member of both the Freemasons and Shriners organizations, Mr. Hager was named “Organist Emeritus” for his service as an accompanist for numerous events with the Tebala Shriners in Rockford, IL.

Mr. Hager married Judith Helen Pommer on June 30, 1962. They remained married for eighteen years and welcomed four children together before parting amicably.

In Mr. Hager’s later years, he relocated to Rogers, Arkansas, where he cared for his beloved mother Helen with the tenderest devotion until the end of her life. He continued sharing his exceptional musical gift with others by playing organ and piano at various churches, business establishments, and private events throughout northwest Arkansas, and being an active member of his local organ club. After Helen’s death at the age of 104, Mr. Hager returned to Illinois to be closer to his children and grandchildren and quickly became a cherished resident of Heritage Woods of Rockford, where he delighted residents and staff alike with his weekly organ concerts.

Mr. Hager was pre-deceased by his dearly-loved parents, George and Helen Hager; his former wife Judith Hager (neé Pommer); and his sister, Beverly (neé Hager) Clary. He is survived by his four children with Judith: John Hager (Char); Jennifer Middleton (Dean); Julia Tagliere (Eric); and Jean Winhusen (Eric). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Heather Mitchell (Josh); Hannah Mayton (Justin); Lindsay, Ethan, and Joshua Tagliere; Katie DeBerry; Paige Miller; Bryce Thompson; and Leah Winhusen. He will be remembered lovingly as their sweet “GG” by his great-grandchildren Lucas, Brooke, and Connor Mitchell; and Lily, Rylen and Leif Mayton.

A memorial ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 13, 2022 in McCorkle Funeral Home- Rockton Chapel, 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd Rockton, IL with Reverend Dan Herman officiating. Burial will be in Arlington Cemetery in Rockford, IL. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until time of ceremony.

Click this link to view additional details about Theodore's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/theodore-hager