William “Bill” M. Haag, Jr., aged 100 years young, of Marengo, Illinois, passed away on September 8, 2025 with his family by his side.
He was born on February 16, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois to William M. and Elizabeth Ellis (Linn) Haag, Sr. He proudly served his country during World War II as a member of the Army Air Corps, and again during the Korean War as a member of the Air Force. After his service, he continued in his passion for aviation and became a pilot for American Airlines. It was there he met a flight attendant named Jane Fullen. The two would fall in love and marry on April 6, 1976. They made Marengo their home of nearly 50 years and raised four children together.
Bill took the opportunity to be Mr. Mom to his kids after retiring. He jokingly referred to himself as the “chauffeur” as he took his children to and from their various activities, and even acted as team manager for his son’s youth hockey team. He found joy in the simplest of things, like grocery shopping and walking the family dog, Zamboni. In his free time, Bill loved to relax with his signature drink, which he aptly named a “Yaw Damper.” He loved spending time with his friends and family, who will miss him dearly.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jane Haag; five children, Jefferson (Laura) Haag, Rebecca (Joseph) Czerw, William M. Haag, III, Brian (Lisa) Haag, and Bethany Pollnow; and eleven grandchildren, Jake Perger, Lindsey Jones, Ethan Czerw, Scarlett Czerw, William Czerw, Logan Haag, Tyler Haag, Adeline Haag, Alyssa Pollnow, Aidan Pollnow, and Ava Pollnow.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by a daughter, Whitney Jones; and by a sister, Elizabeth (Hy) Clayton.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 from 4pm to 7pm, at DeFiore Funeral Home – 10763 Dundee-Huntley Road, Huntley, Illinois 60142. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 10am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church - 323 N Taylor St, Marengo, Illinois 60152. In lieu of flowers, the family requests blood donations be made to your local blood bank in remembrance of Bill’s life. His legacy of service and compassion continues to inspire through this act of giving.
For further information, please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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Bill touched the lives of everyone he met. He is truly a legend in his own time. My deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire Haag family. I will miss our long conversations. Rest in peace my friend........
Our condolences to all family and friends. We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Haag during parties at Brian and Lisa’s home. He had a life full of adventure and love. Our love to all of you in this time of sorrow. Kevin, Mayte, Veronica, Leo, and Lily
I knew Bill from American Airlines and Silver Stripes, but I got to know him more personally in his last years. His enthusiasm, optimism, and compassion were inspirational. Even at 100, when I offered to drive him to see friends, he always said yes. He couldn't always make it happen, but he always tried. Bill lived life well. May he rest in peace. -JJ
He sounds like a really interesting man and I wish I could’ve gotten to know him. Loss is never easy, but we honor them by carrying their cherished memories and good times with ourselves. My deepest sympathies to all of his friends and family.
Jane and family we are so very sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories carry you through this difficult time. Prayers are being sent to you and family.