James F. Haager, 85

James F. Haager, 85, of Woodstock, passed away Sept. 12, 2023, at home with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Woodstock on March 11, 1938, the son of Louis and Charlotte (Moritz) Haager. He married Audrey Menzel on April 11, 1959, at Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock.

Jim proudly served in the Navy after graduating Woodstock High School. He served from 1957 until 1960. He was a lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church and served as a Stephens Minister. He enjoyed woodworking, playing pinochle, bird watching, taking pictures of the sunrises and sunsets, going to his Liar’s Club meetings, and was an avid musical theatergoer. He enjoyed spending his winters in Florida, but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Jim was survived by his children, Jim (Laura) Haager, Bob (Vickie) Haager, and Cindy (Keith) Mellinger; grandchildren, Jennifer (David) Crocker, Megan (Steve) Cooper, Emily (Mark) Milbauer, Kimberly (Joe) Bushnell, Nathan (Mia) Haager, Ben (Emuna) Haager, Brett Mellinger, and Olivia Mellinger; great-grandchildren, Alexis and Makenna Crocker, Kennedy and Bennett Cooper, Mason Bushnell, Audrey Milbauer, and Ofir Haager; his sister, Mary McConnell; nieces, Beth (Mark) Peterson and Katie (Kevin) Curtis; and nephew, John (Julie) McConnell.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Audrey Haager; and brother-in-law Jack McConnell.

Visitation will be Monday, September 18, 2023, at Grace Lutheran Church, 1300 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock, IL 60098, from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at noon. Burial will be at McHenry County Memorial Park cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church or Al-Anon Family Group at al-anon.org. 

For information, contact the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home at 815-

338-1710 or visit slmcfh.com