Duane Hagen

Howard Duane Hagen, son of Todd and Mary (Curtin) Hagen, was born December 3, 1930 in Tacoma, Washington, where he grew up and began his schooling. He graduated from Stadium High School in Tacoma Washington in 1949. Duane continued his education at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma Washington. Following his schooling in 1951, he enlisted in the United States Navy Air Corp, serving in the Korean War. He received an honorable discharge in 1955. On November 14, 1953, he was united in marriage to Shirley Hawkinson at Central Lutheran Church in Tacoma. The couple made their home in Mount Vernon, Everett and Bellevue, Washington, where Duane worked for Safeway Stores as the Advertising and Display Manager. In 1969, they moved to Alexandria, Minnesota, where Duane worked for the Alexandria Echo Press as the Advertising Manager. In 1984, Duane and Shirley moved to Cyrus, Minnesota, where Duane retired a few years later. Shirley died on December 2, 2007 and Duane remained in Cyrus until the time of his death.

Duane was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cyrus. While in college he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He was a Minnesota Viking and a Minnesota Wild fan. He enjoyed doing yard work and especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Duane died on Thursday, March 26, 2009 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota, having lived to reach the age of 78 years.

He is survived by three children: Howard Hagen of Arizona City, AZ, Lora (Bryan) Bierbrauer of New Richmond, WI and Alan (Rhonda) Hagen of Harrisburg, SD; ten grandchildren; one great-grandchild and daughter-in-law: Jenny Gibbs of Arizona City, AZ. He was preceded in death by his wife; his parents and several siblings.

Pallbearers for the service are: Howard Hagen, Alan Hagen, Ryan Hagen, Jeff Schultz and Jeff Christenson. Diane Hanse will serve as organist for the service with Sheryle Dahl serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.