John Leroy Hagen, born April 8, 1925, at his family home in Fertile, MN, to Lawrence and Bella (Ystenes) Hagen, passed away on September 29, 2023, at Fair Meadow Nursing Home. He was baptized and confirmed at Concordia Lutheran Church and attended school in Fertile.
John enlisted in the Navy during WWII at the age of 17, serving on the USS Vammen in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. John spent his 20th birthday in the Battle of Okinawa. He was honorably discharged as Boatswain Mate Second Class in April 1946. In 1951, John married Mabel Smith in a double wedding ceremony with friends Lloyd and Alta Brunsberg. John and Mabel had two children, Patricia (Duane) Gates of Kenmore, WA, and Larry (Debi) Hagen of Moorhead, MN. They were married for 69 years, residing in their Fertile home until moving to the nursing home in 2020. Despite Mabel’s passing and the challenges of COVID isolation, John showed great fortitude in making it his home.
After the war, John returned to Fertile, working with his father at Hagen Chevrolet, eventually purchasing the business. During his time at Hagen Chevrolet, he earned numerous sales awards, enabling them to travel to Europe and the South Pacific. In retirement, they spent winters in Texas.
John had a passion for the outdoors, enjoying hunting, fishing, and spending time at his Maple Lake cabin, a cherished gathering place for family occasions. For years he took a nightly 4-mile hike, no matter how cold, hot, rainy, or snowy.
Known for his hat collection, John proudly wore hats from around the U.S. and the world. He loved the attention he received with each new hat. John particularly treasured his Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., with fellow veterans, appreciating the gratitude they received from tourists and loved ones upon their return. His family was very proud of the bravery he showed as a U.S. veteran.
Fertile was always John’s home. He was known for his remarkable memory and storytelling skills, sharing tales of Fertile’s history and its residents. He had immense pride in his family’s accomplishments and travels.
John was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mabel, his parents, sister Lucille Severson, brothers Arnold and Monroe Hagen, brothers and sisters-in-law, and lifelong friend Vincent Berg. He is survived by his children, six grandchildren, Stephen, Christine, David, Paul, Molly, and Hannah, nine great-grandchildren, as well as his sister Alice Knutson and sister-in-law Luming Hagen, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Our family extends gratitude to the Fair Meadow Nursing Home staff. We are grateful for the wonderful care he received and the relationships he made while there. He enjoyed joking and visiting with staff, and we always knew they took good care of him. We also want to thank Jamy Fugelseth. He was the perfect caregiver for our father and became a good friend to both our parents.
Family and friends are invited to a graveside service to celebrate John’s life. It will be held at Concordia South Cemetery in Fertile, MN, on Friday, October 6, 2023, at 11:00 AM, followed by lunch. Memorials may be directed to Fair Meadow Nursing Home or Concordia Lutheran Church, both in Fertile.
