Thomas Nile Hager

1940 - 2023

Thomas Nile Hager
Born: February 5, 1940
Died: June 26, 2023
Nile Hager of Sterling, passed away peacefully in his residence on Monday, June 26, 2023.
The son of Carl and Agnes Hager, Nile was born in Bristol, West Virginia and was one of nine siblings. As the third oldest sibling, he was raised with an extremely strong work ethic and took active responsibility in helping to raise and be a role model to his younger siblings. He moved to Illinois in the 1950's, during high school, where he was active and excelled and lettered in
several sports, and later worked at Northwest Steel and Wire for 40 years before becoming an union arbitrator.
His focus in life was his large family and community of friends and his four children whose daily needs he prioritized above his own, providing a solid foundation of family, faith and strong work ethics. He ensured his kids excelled in school and sports and took them on lots of family trips visiting most states in the US, and even driving cross country with them by vehicle. One of his life goals was to see all his four kids be the first generation in his family to graduate from college. He funded their college degrees and living expenses so they would graduate debt free with no student loans. He never missed a game a recital or performance. Even when multiple events happened at the same time, Nile found a way to show up for his kids.
Nile loved sports and played basketball actively until the age of 75. Nile will be known for his selflessness, vigor for life, positive mindset and compassion for others. He was a friend and supporter to the community he lived in and everywhere Nile went he took time to engage in conversation. He lived each day content and happy regardless of his challenges and always looked at the silver lining in life. Nile was not one to ever complain.
Nile is survived by his children, Tom (Kathy) Hager, Kristin Deyle, Ryan (Michelle) Hager; his son in law Frank Gazzolo; his Siblings: Dolores Ferguson, Jeff Hager, Joy (Steve) Near, Kevin Hager and his eight grandchildren: Frankie Gazzolo, Ella Gazzolo, Finley Gazzolo, Jadyn Deyle, Thomas Nile Jr., "TJ" Hager, Mary Kathryn Hager, Jake Hager and Rylee Hager; and by many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Elizabeth "Beth" Gazzolo; his brother Bill Hager; and his sisters: Sue Percycoe, Connie Short and Carol Nicklaus.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the McDonald Funeral Home, 505 1st Avenue in Sterling. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sterling with the Reverend Thomas Doyle, Celebrant officiating. Burial will conclude at Riverside Cemetery.
In lieu flowers, memorials may be given in his memory to Sterling High School Boosters.