Frederick L. Haegele

Fred L. Haegele, 97, formerly of Champaign, Illinois passed away on November 13, 2020 at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, Illinois. 

Fred was born on a farm in Wayne County, east of Barnhill, Illinois.  He was the youngest of five sons born to George T and Katie Haegele.

After graduation from Fairfield High School, he enrolled in Southern Illinois University and finished two quarters before being drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in the European Theater during World War II.  After an honorable discharge, Fred returned to Southern Illinois University but later transferred to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to complete a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics. 

Fred served 38 years in the Cooperative Extension Service when it was part of the U of I School of Agriculture.  He was a Youth Advisor in Ford County at Melvin, Illinois then an Assistant Farm Advisor in Livingston County at Pontiac, Illinois.  He served as a Farm Advisor in Cumberland County at Toledo, Illinois before joining the State 4-H staff in Urbana where he worked until retiring in August 1987.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents and brothers John, Vern, Floyd and Frank.  He is survived by his wife, the former Mary Alice Ivers, who he married over 71 years ago!  He is also survived by their four children: Neal(Julie) Haegele, Sara(Doug) Fox, Lois(Albert) Joaquin, and Glen(Beth) Haegele.  They have seven grandchildren:  Joshua, Daniel, and Nicholas Haegele, John Fox, Danielle Joaquin, and Gregory and Kathleen Haegele.

Donations may be made in his memory to the charity of your choice or to Faith United Methodist Church, 1719 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign, Illinois 61820.

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

Please join Fred’s family in sharing photos and memories on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

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