Richard Charles Vander Hagen

SOUTH BEND -- Richard Charles Vander Hagen , 79, passed away Feb. 5, 2007, in Memorial Hospital with his family at his side. Richard was born January 14, 1928, in South Bend, to the late Charles and Stella (Szczepaniak) VanderHaeghen.

Richard is survived by his wife of 47 years, Rosan (Diepenbrock) Vander Hagen ; three children, Kimberly (Jerry) Kleber of Fort Wayne, and children; Ashlyn, Jonathan, Katie and Sarah; Mark (Denise) Vander Hagen of Fort Wayne and children, Lauren, Mitchell, Lynnel and Mya; and Katie (Wendell) Rohrer of Mishawaka and children, Alan, David and Anna.

Richard graduated from Washington High School and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in music from the University of Notre Dame, where he was a member of the marching band. Upon graduation he served three years in the U.S. Army. A part of this time was spent with the 5th Army Band. His love of music led him to a career as a band director that spanned over 30 years. After one year as band director at Newport High School he began the first-ever instrumental music program in the Catholic schools in Lima, Ohio, where he was highly respected and admired. The most gratifying years were those spent at North Liberty and Greene Schools. He retired from the South Bend Community School Corporation in 1991 following 26 years of dedicated service. Richard loved hearing from his former students and reminiscing about the life lessons learned from their musical experiences.

Richard enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing bridge, working out at the YMCA, and wintering in Florida. His true passion was his love and devotion to his family. He cherished the time he spent with his wife, children and grandchildren, and enjoyed nothing more than special moments with those he loved.

He was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He was founder and director of the St. Matthew Cathedral Brass Ensemble and was an active member of the St. Vincent De Paul Society.

Sources: Ancestry.com and FindAGrave.com

08/19/2024 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/155468643/richard_charles-vanderhagen