Charles Edward Hage

1935 - 2026

Charles Edward Hage
Born: April 12, 1935 in Vandalia, IL
Died: February 2, 2026 in Dixon, IL
Charles (Charlie) Edward Hage, 90, of Dixon, IL, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family. He was a lifelong outdoorsman, proud father, and professional geologist at the Illinois Department of Transportation. He retired in 1992.
Charlie was born on April 12, 1935, in Vandalia, IL, the son of Carl and Pearl (Harding) Hage. He married Mary Julia "Julie" Horton on June 10, 1967, in Dixon. After nearly 53 years, she preceded him in death on January 9, 2020. Charlie was a co-founder of the Rock River Valley Ducks Unlimited, active member of the Lions Club, as well as the Dixon Elks Lodge and American Legion, but widely known as a fixture at Books on First in downtown Dixon. He expressed his faith at Living Well Church of the Nazarene. He served in the United States Army Reserve Engineer Corps and inspired his son and grandsons to follow in that military service. Charlie loved our natural world and his primary hobbies were hunting and fishing. He spent many hours on the Mississippi and other local water bodies pursuing waterfowl and fish. In his later years he excelled at turkey hunting and bass fishing, and became a published author on the subject of knives and squirrels.
Charlie is survived by his children, David (Becky) Hage of Dixon, Christopher (Elizabeth) Hage of San Jose, CA, Sara (Allison Precht) Hage of Minneapolis, MN, Amanda (Paul) Brenegan of Madison, WI; six grandchildren, Christian (Hope) Hage, Noah (Alivia) Hage, Isaac Hage, Cora Hage, James Brenegan, Elle Brenegan; great-granddaughter, Amelia Hage.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two grandchildren, Isabel and Hope.
A Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon. The Funeral Service will be the following day at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon, with Pastor John Trotter officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon.
Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and/or Ducks Unlimited.
Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.
Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com.