George Van Hagen III

Born April 11, 1923, the son of George E. Van Hagen Jr. of Barrington and Ardietta Ford of St. Paul, MN.
Van Hagen attended early school in Barrington, and middle school at Todd School, Woodstock, IL. He was a graduate of Culver Academy, in 1941, where he lettered in Wrestling and Crew and served with the Black Horse Troop. He attended Cornell University, School of Engineering. He joined the Navy Air Service and was called to active duty in the fall of 1942. He graduated from Pensacola, receiving his commission as an Ensign and his Navy Wings in 1944. Van Hagen saw combat while serving on the aircraft carrier, USS INDEPENDENCE in 1945 with Air Group 27. He was shot down off the Island of Honshu, Japan, while on a mission is 1945. He was rescued by a U.S. submarine. He was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon for this action.
Upon returning from the Navy in 1945, he attended Northwestern School of Commerce, where he majored in Public Relations and Journalism. He was employed by the Peabody Coal Co. as Director of Community Relations and traveled extensively in the coal fields of Illinois, Kentucky, and West Virginia.
In 1950 he became Managing Editor of the Small Homes Guide Publishing Co. of Chicago. In 1960 he and a group of partners started the Tri-Rental Co. of Elk Grove, IL., which leased lift truck equipment to industrial users in the Chicago area.
He retired from business in 1985 and earned his Illinois Real Estate license. He has been a member of Starck Real Estate Barrington for the past fifteen years.
Van Hagen has had a life-long interest in Alaska and in 1947 found a large deposit of jade in that area. Material from that discovery was exhibited at the World’s Fair in New York in 1965 and later at the Smithsonian in Washington. Pieces are currently on display at the Lizzardo Museum of Lapidary Art in Elmhurst, IL.
Van Hagen was married in 1957 to Barbara Kransz of Winnetka, IL. They were divorced in 1965. They had one son, George IV.
Van Hagen married Sarah Bohannon of Oak Park in 1969. They had one child, Sarah Harrison Van Hagen.
As Poet and Historian, Van Hagen wrote many articles on early Barrington. His poetry on life in Alaska and Fox Hunting are enjoyed by his many friends. His “Making of a Man” is shared here as a reminder of this talent.
Van Hagen received recognition throughout his life for his community service, and in 1988 he received the BADC Community Service award, which reads: Van Hagen was a lifelong member of Barrington VFW Post 7706, and the Barrington Historical Society. He was a great, great, great grandson of William Henry Harrison, 9th President of the United States.
He is survived by his son, George Ely Van Hagen IV (Terri) of Burlington, IA; daughters Sarah Van Hagen Burzynski, of Barrington,Mary (John) Siragusa, and Laurie (Bruce) Donnelly, of Barrington; sister Mary Claire Ullram of Lakeville, CT; grandchildren, Bella, Russell, Jack, Max, Jack, Philip, Diana, and William; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Sarah, and brother Dr. Ford Van Hagen.
Memorial donations may be made to: Barrington Youth and Family Services, 110 S. Hager Ave #103, Barrington, IL 60010 or St. Michael Episcopal Church, 647 Dundee Ave, Barrington IL 60010.
A memorial service will be held at 10am, Saturday, November 7 at St. Michael Episcopal Church, 647 Dundee Ave, Barrington. Burial will be held at Evergreen Cemetery following the service with Military Honors.
Photo Courtesy of Thomas Balsamo