Esther G. Hagemann

Esther G. Hagemann, 97, previously of Forreston, Illinois, passed into the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, February 29, at FHN Memorial Hospital with her family by her side. She was born on November 15, 1918, in Stephenson County to Fred and Rena (Meiners) Ruthe. Esther aspired to become a teacher, but due to the lack of transportation to the high school in Forreston, she never fulfilled that dream. Esther became a helper to families, caring for their homes and children. Esther and LeRoy A. H. Hagemann were married August 31, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa. LeRoy and Esther farmed in the Baileyville area before retiring to Forreston in 1966. For several years Esther lovingly cared for LeRoy so he could remain in their Forreston home until his passing on October 8, 1998. Esther was a homemaker who cherished taking care of her home, her family, and helping LeRoy on their farm. She enjoyed and excelled at gardening, raising flowers, sewing, needlework, canning, baking, cooking, and tending to their four children. She delighted in living in the country, spending time with family, and attending many events associated with her children and grandchildren - weddings, birthday parties, and sporting events. In her formative years, Esther loved attending the Baileyville Reformed Church with her parents and siblings. She sang in the choir and was a member of their youth group. It was also at this church where she accepted Jesus as her Savior - the beginning of a lifetime of faith. At age 18 she was able to join the women's organization - "Thimble Club." The embroidery and fanciwork done at meetings were sold, with the funds given as support of missionaries. Esther was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Freeport. Esther is survived by her son, Gary (Diane) Hagemann of Freeport, IL; two daughters, Phyllis Sigley of Byron, IL; and LeAnn (Gary) Ross of German Valley, IL; ten grandchildren - Kelly Ramos of Beloit, WI; Kris Bunnell of Janesville, WI; Brian (Jennifer) Koertner of Mt. Morris, IL; Kevin (Molly) Koertner of Sycamore, IL; Peggy (Damon) McClung of Byron, IL; Preston (April) Wyssbrod of Lindenwood, IL; Audra (Jeff) Dulinsky of Shorewood, IL; Benjamin Ross of Newnan, GA; Stephanie Hagemann of Chicago, IL; and Tonya (Tay) Seals of Bartlett, IL; 21 great-grandchildren; three brothers - Dale Ruthe of Baileyville, IL; Marvin (Florence) Ruthe of Freeport, IL; and Lloyd (Janice) Ruthe of Oregon, IL; a sister, Lucille Ruthe of Forreston, IL; and sister-in-law, Ardith Ruthe of Dixon, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter, Carol St. Clair; her brother, Calvin Ruthe; her great-granddaughter, Molly Nicole Loss; her son-in-law, Dale Koertner; and sister-in-law, Martha Ruthe. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church (2600 W. Pearl City Road - Freeport, IL) with Rev. Julie Bunt officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Friday at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Forreston (203 South Third Avenue). Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her memory. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign her online guestbook and to share memories.