James Clayton Hagen, age 89, of Rice Lake, WI, died Saturday, January 4, 2025 in Cumberland, WI.

Jim was born on February 27, 1935, in the Town of Maple Grove, WI, to Carl John and Hilma (Skoug) Hagen. He was baptized on April 28, 1935, and confirmed on November 6th, 1949, at Nye Scandinavia Lutheran Church in Maple Grove. After graduating from Barron High School in 1953, Jim married Shirley and dedicated 35 years to farming in Maple Grove. Unfortunately, his farming career was cut short due to an illness, prompting the family’s move to Rice Lake in 1970. There, Jim worked for Gustafson’s and Kohel Implement, and Rice Lake Implement. He also pursued further education in Agri-Business at WITI, graduating with honors.

In 1972, Jim began working for Rice Lake Farmers Union as a Propane Gas Truck Driver, a position he held until his retirement in 2005. After retiring, he spent many years as a school crossing guard. Jim's faith was at the center of his life. He was a devoted member of Nye Scandinavia Lutheran Church, where he served as president for five years and took on various leadership roles, including deacon and trustee. His dedication to God and the church was reflected in his years of teaching Sunday School, serving in multiple church offices, and singing in the choir. Jim's unwavering commitment to his faith and his church community was a cornerstone of his life.

After relocating to Rice Lake, he continued to honor this commitment as a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, where he joyfully sang in the choir for many years. In addition to his church involvement, Jim was a dedicated member of the Heart of the North Barbershop Chorus in Barron, WI. He served as president of the chorus and was honored as Barbershop of the Year in 1994. Through all his endeavors, Jim's faith, dedication, and love for his church family remained steadfast, shaping the way he lived and served those around him.

He is survived by a son, SR MSGT Ronald James Hagen; a daughter and son-in-law, Laurie Marie and Karl Runstrom; a granddaughter, Samantha Marie Sullivan; and a great granddaughter, Olivia Marie Kolb. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann Hagen on April 10, 2019; a daughter, Susan Ann Hagen on January 7, 1966; his father, Carl John Hagen on February 22, 1987; his mother, Hilma (Skoug) Hagen on March 28, 2001; and twin brothers, Merle and Merlyn Hagen January and February 1934.

Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Thursday, January 9, 2025 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Rice Lake, Rev. Arthur Bergren officiating, with interment in the New Scandinavia Lutheran Cemetery in the Town of Maple Grove, WI. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday.

Last Update: Jan 06, 2025 2:36 pm CST