Alice Haegele

Alice I. Haegele, 97, formerly of Champaign, Illinois passed away on February 7, 2024 at Aviston Countryside Manor in Aviston, Illinois. Alice always had a song in her heart and throughout her life spread joy and caring through her piano playing.

Alice was born in Carbondale, Illinois. She was the oldest of four girls born to John and Reba Ivers.

She learned to play the piano at an early age; her father traded a cow for a piano so she and her sisters could take lessons and practice. When Alice was young she decided to learn to play from memory so she could play even if there were no lights or no music. Over the years she played thousands of hours accompanying various groups such as the Keenagers Kitchen band and Hayes Center Sing-a-Long or providing background music during Urbana Exchange club luncheons, 55 Alive driving classes and the Forever Young exercise group. She especially enjoyed playing for nursing home residents to sing-a-long with old tunes and hymns. In fact, just weeks before her death she played for her co-residents, without sheet music, of course.

She graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1948 and taught Home Economics for several years. Later she earned her Masters degree from the University of Illinois in 1955.

A loving mother and grandmother, Alice is survived by her four children: Neal (Julie) Haegele, Sara (Doug) Fox, Lois (Albert) Joaquin, and Glen (Beth) Haegele and her seven grandchildren: Joshua, Daniel, and Nicholas Haegele, John Fox, Danielle Joaquin (Dan) Perlitz, and Gregory (Ashley) and Kathleen Haegele. She is also survived by her sisters, Eloise and Dorothy (Loren) and many nieces and nephews.

Alice was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Fred L. Haegele; she was also preceded in death by her sister, Margery.

Memorial Services will be held on April 20, 2024 at 11 am at Faith United Methodist Church, 1719 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign, IL 61820 with Rev. Cory Blackwell officiating. Visitation will precede the service at the church, beginning at 10:30 am; interment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, 1803 N. Coler Ave., Urbana, IL 61801.

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Champaign, Illinois, 710 N Neil St., Champaign, Illinois 61820 is assisting the family with arrangements.

Donations may be made in Alices memory to the charity of your choice or to Faith United Methodist Church.

Please join her family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Services Memorial Visitation Saturday April 20, 2024 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM Faith United Methodist Church 1719 S. Prospect Ave. Champaign, , IL 61820 Memorial Service Saturday April 20, 2024 11:00 AM Faith United Methodist Church 1719 S. Prospect Ave. Champaign, , IL 61820 Committal Saturday April 20, 2024 12:00 PM Woodlawn Cemetery - Urbana 1803 N. Coler Ave. Urbana, , Illinois 61801