Edward J VerHagen of Garden Prairie, IL passed away surrounded by family and friends, February 27, 2025 at the age of 69 after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on June 5, 1955 to Laura and Harlow VerHagen in Rockford IL. A Belvidere High School graduate class of 1973 and a proud member of the FFA. He was a Kishwaukee College graduate with a degree in farm management and maintenance. Ed married the love of his life Jean, on April 16, 1982. Ed was a loving husband and devoted father to Amanda and Eric. Ed worked for the Turner Family, Poulter Implement Company, The Daniels Family Farm and RJ Daniels Fuel & Tire for years before he was a maintenance man at RVC. He retired from Rock Valley College in 2018 after 28 years. He continued to keep busy on his farm spoiling his dogs and working for the IL State Highway Dept seasonally (snowbird). Ed was a fisherman that enjoyed spending time on Castle Rock Lake fishing, boating and restoring his Lake house. Ed loved fixing small engines. He traveled often, and enjoyed cruising with his family.

Ed is survived by his wife Jean, daughter Amanda, son Eric, brother Chuck, sisters Bonnie, Connie, Chris VerHagen and Cindy Roman, sister in-Laws Lynn Haenitsch, Faye Jones, brother in-laws Mike Garst, Jim Roman, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, dear family friend Ang Daniels, Harry and Helga Brady, Steven Zuidema, Ron Carlson, Jerry Maynard and Jeff and Kathi Hendrickson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harlow (Poncho) and Laura VerHagen, Father in-law Donald Garst, Mother-in-Law Oma Garst,  Loving Aunt Mary Boatwright, nephews Jeffery Cowles, Baby John and Kenneth Haenitsch.

He had a great ability to make others smile and his sense of humor will be missed.

Ed's visitation will be Monday, March 3 between 9-11am at First United Methodist Church located at 610 Bonus Ave, Belvidere, IL 61008. Funeral to follow at 11am.

Burial will be at Lawrenceville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to Ed's church, the Garden Prairie United Church of Christ.