George Karl Hahne

George Karl Hahne, 66, of Cary, departed this life after a short illness on Sunday, August 29, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 30, 1955, to George and Hildegard (nee Birth) Hahne in Chicago. A few years after his father‘s death in 1959, George moved to Sylvan Lake near Mundelein when his mother married his step-father, William Pergl. Here George spent a memorable childhood sailing, fishing and playing baseball at his idyllic lake home.

While living at Sylvan Lake, George attended St. Mary's Catholic School and served as an alter boy at the church. A 1973 graduate of Mundelein High School, George was voted "Most School Spirit" his senior year. He attended Northern Illinois University, where he met his beloved wife of 42 years, Sharon (nee Buchholz). They graduated NIU together in 1978, both earning degrees in journalism/advertising.

George first noticed Sharon in a graphic arts class during his junior year at NIU. They became fast friends and it wasn't long before George asked her out on a first date to celebrate his birthday. He claimed he knew she "was the one" after their first or second date. After graduation in 1978, they both started their careers and then married a year later - becoming soulmates forever. During those years, they made their homes in Lake Zurich, Fox River Grove and Cary.

George’s distinguished marketing/sales career began as a National Account Manager at Pioneer Press Newspapers in Barrington, IL. His experience as Marketing Director for Joseph Freed & Associates and Director of Marketing and Public Relations for Tri-Land Properties, Inc. established his expertise in commercial retail development. He also served as Publisher of Fox Valley Living magazine and as President of Sampler Retail Inc., creating the Country Sampler Store concept. That same entrepreneurial spirit propelled him to launch his own advertising agency in 1994 based in Elgin, IL - Marketplace Media Group - serving as president for 27 years. More recently, George worked in municipal economic/business development for Lake in the Hills and finally for the City of Woodstock prior to his passing.

George was active in community and professional organizations, offering his leadership and marketing skills while serving on several boards and committees. He was recognized as 2007 Citizen of the Year by the Elgin Boys & Girls Club for his dedication to helping fund and build a new clubhouse for the organization.

His pride and joy was his daughter, Caitlin. He called her his "hero," for her courage and resiliency during some difficult life challenges and how she blossomed into a loving, caring and accomplished individual. They both shared great times together watching and cheering on Chicago's sports teams, and George cheered her on when she played softball and basketball during her school years. He was equally proud that she carried on a family tradition by graduating from NIU.

George will be forever remembered by family, friends and colleagues for his positive attitude, friendly smile, engaging personality and great sense of humor. He always greeted co-workers with a pleasant "good morning" and tried to find the good in people and mend fences whenever possible.

He was an avid NIU “Huskie” and White Sox fan and loved cooking for family/friends (who savored his many signature culinary creations), tailgating at NIU football games, cruising on a boat every chance he got and taking road trips/vacations with Sharon and Caitlin, who recalls "the best times of my life were when dad was behind the steering wheel."

George is survived by his wife and daughter; nephew, Jack Bloom of Sister Bay, WI; and cousin, John Butsch of Chicago. He is preceded in death by his parents and step-father; sister, Mary Bloom (Jack); and nephew, Mike Bloom.

Visitation will be October 16, 2021, from 2:00 PM until a memorial service at 4:30 PM, at The White House, 145 W. Main Street, Barrington, IL.