Deannah "Dee" Michelle Harhen

Deannah Michelle Harhen, 19, of Marengo, Illinois passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 27, 2023.

Dee was born November 7, 2003, the oldest child of Sarah and Michael Harhen.

Deannah was a lifelong resident of Marengo, a 2022 graduate of Marengo Community High School, and a first year student at McHenry County College. Dee worked at BumbleBee Play Café (Elgin, IL) and was eager for the weather to turn warm so she could return to her work at the Illinois Railway Museum (Union, IL) in the Spring.

Deannah was a friend to many, known for her kindness and generosity. Her love for life and experiencing it was infectious. Dee was a lover of all things weird, referred to as an “old soul,” and was often seen wearing her favorite red lipstick. Dee had many hobbies and enjoyed crafting (crochet and candle making), playing Dungeons and Dragons, and dressing in costume while attending events like the Renaissance Faire. Dee was an avid music lover with eclectic taste and also enjoyed reading books of all genres.

Deannah will be greatly missed by her parents, Michael and Sarah Harhen; her siblings, Caleb, Julianah, Rosalie, Gabriella; her grandparents, Elizabeth and Gary Draper, Theresa Harhen and James Downing; her great-grandmas, Donna Draper, Rosemary Wishon, Nina Simpson; her aunts and uncle, Susan Draper, George (Pablo Alcaraz) Harhen, Vanessa Harhen; and her cousins, Dominic Polamares, Reese Wilson, Xavier Butler.

Deannah was preceded in death by her grandpa, George Harhen; her great-grandparents, Gary Draper Sr., Larry Wishon, Jim Simpson, George (Nancy) Harhen, Carol Anne Moran, Sharon McGowan; and her uncle, Larry Nicholson.

There will be a gathering from Noon to 4pm on Saturday, March 11 at Marengo-Union Funeral Home, 505 E. Grant Hwy, Marengo. There will be an informal time of sharing at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to the Illinois Railway Museum’s general fund.