Kenneth E. Hauger

Kenneth “Ken” Edward Hauger passed away on June 1, 2025, at Advocate Good Samaritan Medical Center in Downers Grove, Illinois. Ken was born March 4, 1936, in LaSalle, Illinois the son of Frank and Eleanor (Gaede) Hauger. Ken graduated from LaSalle Peru High School in 1954. After high school, he worked at Westclox in LaSalle and his uncle’s car dealership in Indiana where he acquired his vast knowledge of automobiles.

Ken was called into the United States Army in April 1959 and served most of his time out of country in Korea (Korean War). He was a driver of the M56 Scorpion and awarded Sharpshooter (rifle), Expert (106 Recoilless rifle) and 1st Class Gunner (81mm mortar). Ken was honorably discharged as PFC E-3(T) rank in March 1961. Ken was so proud of his service to his country.

He married Margaret “Marge” Burns on June 27, 1964, in Dwight, IL, and spent their honeymoon in New York at the 1964 World’s Fair. Ken and Marge had three precious daughters who have been their pride and joy their whole lives. Ken enjoyed riding bicycles, fishing, boating, badminton, roller skating, ice skating, and bowling with his girls. He never missed their school sporting and musical events. Ken looked forward to their summer on-the-road family vacations that took them to all the western states, Florida and Disney World, and eastern states including Washington DC. He loved going on cruises and went to Europe for the first time visiting close friends in England with his family. Ken caught the bug of international travel and went to Italy, Greece, and Turkey. He looked forward to his annual trips to California to visit his old Army buddy, which Ken only missed the last two years. When his oldest daughter blessed him with grandchildren (Andrew and Katelyn), Ken introduced them to all the fun outdoor activities he did with his loving daughters but especially fishing and biking; his grandchildren were the apples of his eyes.

Ken was employed as a millwright for Caterpillar Tractor in Aurora. He trained many tradesmen and was dedicated to his work until his retirement after 31 years. After this retirement, Ken worked for Napa Auto Parts and Precision Packaging Inc and officially retired at the young age of 80.

For many years, Ken truly enjoyed taking his mint condition 1962 Chevrolet Red Impala to car shows. Ken would drive his father up to Minnesota where his brother Richard lived and fish on the large and serene lakes catching walleye and pike. Ken had such a vast knowledge of automobiles and engines that he was quite the “Mr. Jack-of-all-Trades” to the neighborhood and surrounding towns. There was not a chainsaw, snow blower, lawn mower, or lawn tractor Ken could not fix. Ken did all the maintenance on his and his family’s automobiles for many decades, teaching his daughters the mechanical basics which they are so thankful for today.

He enjoyed meeting up with retirees at the coffee shop in downtown Plano. He was an avid reader and read books on history, Sci-Fi, and the military. Ken loved a great game of euchre, too.

His daughters were by Ken’s side throughout his illness the past year and a half. His daughter, Sheila, being a dedicated nurse guided his other daughters, Paula and Theresa, and they together ensured that Ken died with his wishes being followed, with dignity, and peacefully.

Ken is survived by his wife, Marge, of 60 years; his three daughters Sheila (Terry) Jones of Oswego, Paula (Darin) Lilly of Montgomery, and Theresa Hauger Kankus of Yorkville; grandson Andrew Jones and granddaughter Katelyn Jones of Oswego. He is also survived by sisters Sandy Ewing of LaSalle and Sharon Riley of Quincy, as well as many nieces and nephews who truly enjoyed Ken’s presence.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Eleanor Hauger, his brother Richard Hauger, his sister Jean Smigel, brother-law Pete Smigel, brother-in-law Robert Ewing, and sister-in-law June Hauger.

Visitation will be held on June 13, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home, 3952 Turner Ave, in Plano, Illinois. The Funeral mass will be held on June 14, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 901 N Center St, in Plano, Illinois, with Father Kaz Chwalek, MIC, officiating. There will be an additional visitation from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on June 14, 2025, at Turner-Eighner Funeral Home before the funeral mass. A burial service with military honors will be held on June 18, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W Hoff Rd, in Elwood, Illinois.

Memorials may be directed to the American Legion Leon Burson Post 395 in Plano, Illinois. For more information or to sign the online guestbook, please visit www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com

Turner-Eighner Funeral Homes

3952 Turner Ave.

Plano, IL 60545

(630) 552-3022