Burnell R. Hagestuen

Funeral services for Burnell Hagestuen, of Alexandria, formerly of Starbuck, Minnesota, will be held on Friday, November 24, 2023, at 11:00 am at Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck.  Reverend Paul Johnson will be officiating.  A visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Fron Lutheran Cemetery, rural Starbuck.

Burnell Raymond Hagestuen was born on March 4, 1928, at home to his parents Julius and Adeline (Bottleson) Hagestuen.  He was baptized and confirmed at East Zion Lutheran Church in rural Starbuck by Pastor Palmer.  He lived on the family farm and attended country school until the 8^th grade.  Burnell’s childhood was spent on the family farm and with his grandfather, John Hagestuen, helping with many farm tasks.  On September 18, 1952, he was united in marriage to Doris Rosby in Cyrus, Minnesota by Reverend Paul Johnshoy.  They farmed near Hancock, Minnesota and raised their family of three children: Paul, David, and Beverly.  Later, they moved into Starbuck where Burnell was employed by Eystad Trucking in Donnelly, Minnesota, and later the City of Glenwood, mowing parks and other outdoor tasks until his retirement. Doris preceded Burnell in death in 1994.  On September 27, 2008, Burnell and Ruby Aaberg were united in marriage at Morning Glory Gardens in Glenwood with Pastor Ralph Pederson officiating.  Burnell became a resident of Bethany on the Lake in Alexandria in September of 2020, following a hip fracture.

Burnell was a member of Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck, and had a strong faith.  He loved working outdoors to keep things in order and looking good.  Burnell and Ruby enjoyed 15 wonderful years together and took many trips to Alaska and California to visit Ruby’s families.  They also enjoyed road trips and just spending time together.  Burnell was a kind, gentle, and compassionate man, he was always thinking of others.  Even if he was not always feeling the best, he never complained. Burnell was always ready and willing to help anyone in need and never spoke unkind words about anyone.  He would always say ‘I have so much to be thankful for.’

Burnell died peacefully on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at the Bethany on the Lake in Alexandria; he was 95 years old.

Burnell is survived by his wife, Ruby Aaberg of Starbuck; son, Paul (Kathy) Hagestuen of Nelson; daughter, Beverly (Kevin) Anderson of Glenwood; grandchildren: Palen of MT, Paulee of MN, Nicholas (Kristy) of AK, Cheyenne of WY, Jason of MN, Darin of MN, and Brandon of MN; step-children: Jeff (Pat) of Starbuck, Jerry (Lori) of Alexandria, and Jennifer (Jim) of Troutdale, OR; step-grandchildren: Kristana of VA, Matt of VA, Justin of MN and Brooke of MN; 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, Warren (Virginia) Hagestuen of Starbuck; sisters: Joan Suckow of Alexandria, Ruth (Bonnie) Hagestuen of Minneapolis, and Dorothy Knutson of Edina; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Doris; son, David; his parents; and many uncles, aunts, and cousins. 

Blessed be his memory; he will be missed.