Dr. Clarence Haege

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Dr. Clarence D. Haege, 88, of Freeburg, IL, born July 6, 1932, in East St. Louis, IL, died Friday, December 4, 2020, at Freeburg Care Center, Freeburg, IL.

Dr. Haege grew up and went to school in East St Louis, IL.  He and his wife, Carolyn (nee Brown), were married there on February 2, 1952, at Rosemont Baptist Church and were together 56 years before her passing in 2008.  Dr. Haege’s higher education began with Oklahoma Baptist University and culminated with a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Saint Louis University in March, 1974.

Dr. Haege has been a classroom teacher and Speech Pathologist at the elementary and secondary levels.  He created, as organizing Director, the Perandoe Special Education District (a two-county district of Monroe and Randolph Counties).  Clarence was hired as Superintendent of Freeburg School District No. 70 in 1974, a position he held for over twenty years.  Upon his retirement in 1994, he could not stop.  He was a speech therapist in area nursing homes.  He was an instructor at McKendree College in Lebanon, Illinois, and was an instructor of English, Advanced Writing, and English Literature at Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville, Illinois.

Dr. Haege pastored and served as interim pastor and supply in many churches in Southern Illinois.  His first church was Springhill Baptist Church, a rural church near Creal Springs.  He served as Associate Pastor of Illinois’ largest Baptist church, First Baptist Church of Marion.  For seven years, Dr. Haege was Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Freeburg, for two years pastored the First Baptist Church of New Athens and has been interim pastor for numerous Baptist churches.  He retired from active ministry while pastoring First Baptist Church of Belleville in 2006.

Surviving are his two sons, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Gregg (Sandi) Haege and Alan Haege, both of Freeburg, IL;
three granddaughters, Alexis Haege of Freeburg, IL, and Victoria and Mary Caitlyn Haege of Murfreesboro, TN;
a former daughter-in-law, Melinda Lee Haege of Murfreesboro, TN;
a sister, Ruth Leirer of Bradenton, FL;
and a cousin, Gloria Eckert of Grand Rapids, MI.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, December 12, 2020, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 7 North Belleville Street, Freeburg, IL. Standard CDC guidelines, including masks and a limited number of visitors at any one time will be observed.

 Funeral: By invitation, a funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 12, 2020, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Freeburg, IL, with Rev. Rick Mortimer officiating. Standard CDC guidelines, including masks and a limited number of visitors at any one time will be observed.

Burial will be at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Freeburg, IL.

Condolences:

9 Comments on Dr. Clarence Haege

Kathy Hobbs said : Guest Report Mar 18, 2021 at 5:59 PM

To the Haege Family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss of Dr. Haege. He was an amazing man who truly cared about his students and the faculty alike. Just know that you will see him again someday!! I got a little glimpse of heaven years ago and I experienced, beauty, peace, joy and elation that I've never seen here on earth!! I'm sure that your Mom was in the front row waiting for him to come in!! Please take care, I will be praying for all or you.

  • Waterloo
  • IL
Laura (Bancroft) Peterson said : Guest Report Dec 14, 2020 at 9:21 AM

Gregg and Alan: On behalf of my family, please accept our prayers and our love as you mourn the loss of your father. You and your families are in our thoughts during this very sorrowful time. Love and Peace, Laura

  • Bella Vista
  • AR
Tom and Laura Gauch said : Guest Report Dec 12, 2020 at 10:24 AM

Dear Greg, Allen and families, We are so sorry to hear of Dr. Haege’s passing. He was an absolutely wonderful man. So many great things happened at Freeburg School because of him. We have fond and funny memories of trips to Chicago. I was aways amazed by the affection the students had for him. We wish you peace and blessings.

  • Freeburg
  • Il
Jim & Jackie Porth said : Guest Report Dec 11, 2020 at 6:35 PM

Our deepest condolences to you Gregg and your entire family in this time of loss. Your father was a great and very accomplished man. He lived life to its fullest. May this fact bring comfort and peace to you as you grieve. God Bless.

  • Abilene
  • Texas
Charlie and Elaine Heyl said : Guest Report Dec 10, 2020 at 5:12 PM

Sorry to hear of Dr Haege passing. I saw him at the nursing home last year. He remembered his time in Marissa and we had a good visit. Didn’t realize that both of you. Greg and Alan are in Freeburg. God bless your family

  • Marissa
  • Il
Bonnie Beinart Hall said : Guest Report Dec 09, 2020 at 9:11 PM

I am so sorry for the loss of Dr. Hager. I remember him and Mrs. Hager very fondly.

  • Madison
  • WI
Ruth Leirer said : Guest Report Dec 08, 2020 at 6:58 PM

To my sweet brother, forever in my heart

  • Bradenton
  • Florida
Kendra Grout said : Guest Report Dec 08, 2020 at 1:02 PM

Haege family! I am so sorry for your loss of Dr HAege. I so enjoyed working as a teacher under his supervision at the Freeburg Grade School. He was a remarkable, talented, brilliant individual and educator. I Am fortunate to have had one last intellectual conversation and trip down memory lane with him before covid has separated everyone. He will be missed!

  • Belleville
  • IL
Janet M Thrasher said : Guest Report Dec 07, 2020 at 4:42 PM

So very sorry, he was truly a remarkable man. May he rest in peace. God Bless, Jan

  • Freeburg
  • IL

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