If John wasn’t in the garage fixing stuff and puttering, he was in the kitchen making his famous breakfast for his family or he was at a friend’s or family member’s house assisting with whatever was needed or he was attending a grandchild’s dance recital or hockey game or school event. John had a hard time sitting still. He loved hunting, fishing, traveling, golfing and loading up his family on their pontoon boat to go for a cruise around Mud Hen Lake. He showed love to his family and friends through helping and cooking and fixing and showing up.

John Anthony was born in Hibbing, MN to Otto and Elizabeth Sara Hagen on January 13, 1958. He moved around first to Libby, MT then to Anoka, MN and then he graduated from high school in Deer River, MN. He worked in many capacities including being a welder, a Manufacturing Manager, Business Owner and then finally retiring as a Director of Environmental Services.

Tami and John had a mixed marriage. John was an avid Vikings fan and Tami was a devoted Packers fan. When Tami was brave enough to introduce John to her brothers before they married in 1983, they put him through the wringer (like good brothers do). They loved each other so much but over all the years they still had to view the Packers vs. Vikings games in different rooms. They raised and adored Joshua and Jessica who paid them back by giving them three beautiful grandchildren, Amelia, Hudson and Camilla. Joshua’s wife, Jodi, was also a very welcome addition.

The Hagen's have always been a close family who talk to each other every day—sometimes several times a day. If you were to show up to a frequent Hagen event, you’d see kids and dogs flailing around and playing; you'd smell the aroma of a meat that John was barbecuing on the grill; you’d hear laughing and yelling and teasing —so much love and life. You couldn’t help but want to be a part of it. His sudden death shocked everyone, and we will miss John an exorbitant amount. It might take a while but, there’s no doubt that the laughter will come back. Maybe it’ll be during sunset on the pontoon boat, popping open a Miller Lite and raising the can to the sky.

In lieu of flowers, John’s charity of choice is Achieve Services, a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities to adults with disabilities and in which Tami is the chairman of the board. www.achieveservices.org/donate

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

He is survived by his adored immediate family: wife Tami Hagen, son Joshua, daughter Jessica, daughter-in-law Jodi and grandchildren Amelia, Hudson and Camilla. Also, by his loving extended family Walt Hagen, Tim (Sarah) Hagen, Grayce Kalstad, Sherman (Florence) Hagen, Sandi (Nick) Hunsader, Pamela Langness, Carey (Steve) Jones, Tim (Babette) Langness, Terry Langness, Tyron (Dana) Langness, and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his Mom and Dad, Grace Hagen, Camilla Langness, Jody Moehling and Joan Langness.

Last Update: May 20, 2024 7:51 am CDT