Margarethe Zaage, age 85, of Elgin, IL, passed away on April 23, 2025. She was born November 28, 1939 in Chicago, IL to her loving parents, Max and Frida (née Gomeringer) Delfs.

Margarethe attended St. James Lutheran School, and graduated from Luther High School North in Chicago, Class of 1957. She worked as an office manager and handled medical insurance for multiple doctors.

Margarethe met her husband, Hans, at the Schleswig-Holsteiner Sängerbund in Chicago, through her father. They were married 62 years and together raised two children.

Margarethe was gifted with a loving spirit and a tender heart. She was a very affectionate person with a real zest for life.

Margarethe enjoyed needlework, quilting, baking, and gardening. She quilted blankets for Project Linus, an organization that provided blankets for sick children. She had a knack for growing orchids. She also loved to shop and travel.

Throughout her life, Margarethe embraced her German heritage. She sang in the German Society’s Kinderchor, Jugendchor, and Seniorchor; and was involved in the ladies' clubs at the Schleswig-Holsteiner Sängerbund and the Rheinische Gesang Verein.

Margarethe was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hans Zaage; and son, Michael Zaage. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Zaage; daughter-in-law, Kim Zaage; and granddaughter, Sarah Zaage.

She will be privately interred at Acacia Park Cemetery, 7800 Irving Park Rd, Norridge, IL 60706.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.