Ferdinand Hegel Obituary (1929 - 2017)

Ferdinand Hegel, 87 of Rockton, IL joined his Maker at 10:50 am Saturday January 28, 2017and is survived by his wife Helen, sons Ferdinand Jr. (Kathleen), John (Elizabeth), Walter (Teryl) Hegel, grandchildren Kara and Timothy Hegel, Scott and Emily Hegel, Sara (Jason) Ball, Rachel (Todd ) Rukes, Rebekah, Daniel (Loren Crawford), Joshua Hegel; great grandchildren Brooklyn and Caleb Ball; brother Peter (Elisabetha) Hegel and sister Margaretha (Carl) Giess. In 1945 he and his family were forced to evacuate his homeland in Yugoslavia and flee to Germany to escape Russian persecution. He came to the United States in 1949. In 1951 he was drafted and served in the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged as a Sgt. 1st Class in 1953. While living in Germany, he placed 3rd in the German National Wrestling Tournament. Once he found residence in Chicago, he was a co-founder of the F.C. Fortuna Soccer Team. He continued his passion for soccer not only as a player but also as a coach and a fan and someone who spread the love for the game to many generations. He was also an enthusiastic and avid Chicago Cubs fan. A visitation will be held from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm Saturday February 4, 2017 in McCorkle Funeral Home – Rockton Chapel 767 N Blackhawk Blvd Rockton, IL. A funeral ceremony will be held at the funeral home at 1:15 pm. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Beloit Hospice 655 3rd St #200, Beloit, WI 53511 or the American Cancer Society.