James Lagerhausen

James E. Lagerhausen, 89, passed away peacefully at home on June 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Dorothy Lagerhausen; his devoted companion of 13 years, Ardell Deiber; his brother, Ken Lagerhausen; and his former wife, Alana M. Lagerhausen.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Jim was a loyal member of the Local 150 International Union of Operating Engineers for an extraordinary 67 years. He spent 28 of those years with Nick Koplos Excavating, where he not only built a respected career but also shared a lifelong friendship with Nick and his family.

Jim had a deep love for the outdoors and found great joy in taking his sons and their friends on camping trips—a tradition that began when they were young and blossomed into a lifetime of cherished memories. From a young age, Jim took up skiing, joining the Skunk Hollow Ski Club, and became a ski instructor at Wilmot Mountain. In the winter months, he brought the family skiing to favorite spots like Wilmot, Boyne Mountain, and Steamboat Springs.

After retiring, Jim and Ardell embarked on a new adventure together—touring the continental U.S. and much of Canada in a 30-foot fifth-wheel trailer. During the pandemic, his final journey with the beloved "Cougar" was a three week long, three-generation Lagerhausen boys' road trip (Jim, Jamie, Brian, and Kaiser) from Chicago to Los Angeles, stopping along the way to visit friends and family, including his brother Don in Fort Worth, Texas and his late brother Ken's family in Phoenix, Arizona.

Jim is survived by his sons, Jamie (Susan Levin) and Brian (Oyuki Lopez), his beloved grandson Kaiser, his brother Don, along with a multitude and still unclear to this day, number of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cousins. In addition, he is lovingly remembered by Ardell's three daughters, Debbie, Daryl, Dianna, and their families.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Jim's devoted caregivers, who became family along the way, for their compassion and care.

A memorial service is planned on August 9th at 12:00 at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Arlington Heights.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's memory to Lutheran Church of the Cross—his spiritual home for over 50 years—to help continue their legacy of giving: www.sharegodslove.com/donate.