David Hagen Obituary

David William Hagen
David William Hagen, age 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2026, and joined his beloved wife of 60 years, Jeanne Lynn Hagen, who passed May 18, 2025. David was born in Berwyn, IL to his parents the late Helge and Martha Hagen (nee Hinz). David's father, Helge, was a first-generation immigrant from Norway.
David is survived by his nephews, James, John and Tom Dreier; nieces, Patricia Dreier and Amy Linstrom; brother-in-law, Jack Clegg; his well-loved cat, Jethro; and several good friends.
David was a proud veteran who served in the US Air Force as an airplane mechanic while stationed in Las Vegas, NV. Following military service, David returned to Illinois to pursue a collegiate degree at Lewis University in Lockport, IL, where he met the love of his life, best friend and wife of 60 years, Jeanne Lynn Hagen. David held the door for Jeanne and was immediately smitten. It was love at first sight and they were inseparable from then on.
Later, at the University of Illinois, Champaign, David taught woodworking and vocational classes while he and Jeanne completed graduate degrees. Jeanne's career as a computer programmer led them to Minneapolis where David built custom cabinetry and completed kitchen renovations. Ultimately, they moved back to Jeanne's hometown of Plainfield, IL where David joined Jeanne's father Samuel Clegg to fabricate custom industrial equipment including tree diggers and cast metal machinery parts.
David was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Joliet. He enjoyed sharing his time and talents through volunteer work. David volunteered at Daybreak Shelter cooking and preparing monthly meals. He taught Sunday School at Peace Lutheran Church in Plainfield and was an Honored Member of the Plainfield Historical Society.
David was an avid and very skilled craftsman, cabinetmaker and woodworker. He loved creating projects with his lathe from custom spindles, bowels to jars he gave as tokens of appreciation. David, along with Jeanne, was an avid traveler who traversed more than 30 countries. His favorite destinations included: Bergen, Norway, the Amazon, Galapagos Island, Hungary and Russia.
David was kindhearted, genuine, a loving husband, a good friend and listener and a constant purveyor of knowledge. All who knew him cherished their conversations and time spent.
David cared for Jeanne while she battled Parkinson's, and was with her as she passed. During his last days, his only wish was to be reunited with his love.
David and Jeanne were quiet, but active philanthropists who regularly supported their local community and charitable organizations. In lieu of cards or flowers, for those of you who would like to leave a lasting tribute in David's name, donations may be made to their favored non-profits; Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago https://anticruelty.org/, ASPCA ASPCA, Brookfield Zoo https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/, Illinois Audubon Society https://illinoisaudubon.org/, Northern Illinois Food Bank https://solvehungertoday.org/, Salvation Army https://satruck.org/, and The Nature Conservancy https://preserve.nature.org/page/80429/donate/1.
David will be fondly remembered for his humility, devotion to his marriage and his loving affection. He did not like to talk about himself. Dave was a loving husband; he and Jeanne were a very special couple. Every minute they spent together, they truly enjoyed each other's company and held hands, and it was a joy to be in their company.
Private committal services will be held at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Elwood, IL. Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Plainfield, was entrusted with arrangements. For information call 815/436-9221 or visit www.overman-jones.com