Richard J. Hagen
July 30, 1946 - August 24, 2021
Obituary
BLACK EARTH - Richard James Hagen, age 75, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on July 30, 1946, in Madison, the son of Sanford and Alma (Olson) Hagen.
Richard graduated from Madison East High School in 1964 and served in the U.S. Navy. He married Susan Schultz on July 8, 1972, in Oshkosh.
Richard's professional life included working in information technology in Madison just as the Information Age took off in the 1970s and ‘80s. He then chased his dream of running a hardware store when he managed the Ace Hardware in Mount Horeb. Closer to retirement, he worked at M3 Insurance in Madison.
Richard was a good-natured soul who used his wit and sense of humor to provide guidance and support for many.
A lifelong craftsman, Richard’s passion was woodworking, specifically restoring furniture with his signature high-gloss finish. He loved spending time at the family cottage at Long Lake in Washburn County and with his grandchildren and enjoying all their activities.
Richard is survived by his wife, Susan; sons, Scott (Lisa) Hagen and Mark (Niki) Hagen; four grandchildren, Kaelyn Hagen, Nathan Hagen, Cole Hagen and Halli Hagen; and sister, Elizabeth Hagen.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, Ella (Raymond) Volk, Ardys (Robert) Bergman, June (Frank) Trapino, Marilynn (Jerome) Suter and Patricia (Donald) Papcke; and a brother, Ronald (Marietta) Hagen.
A funeral service will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.
The family of Richard Hagen wishes to thank friends, family, the caregivers from Agrace HospiceCare, the pastors and members from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and the doctors and nurses from the UW Hospital Oncology Department for their outstanding support.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace Foundation, the UW Carbone Cancer Center and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
AH
Al and Deb Hagen
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Richard, we will forever remember that the Five O'Clock Club opens at 5:00 and it doesn't serve lunch. You know what we are talking about. We are going to miss you so very much. Love, Al and Deb
TS
Tribute Store
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Scott & Family - We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
MF
Mike and Lisa Suter and the Naviant Family
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Our deepest sympathies for such a difficult loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers for comfort at this tender time are with you.
BC
Batzner Pest Control
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. We are so very sorry for your loss.
MF
Mary Fury
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I have known Dick for over 50 years, he being the loving & devoted husband to my dear friend Sue. I attended their wedding and not long after that John (now deceased) and I started playing Euchre regularly together with Sue & Dick, along with another great couple, Bev & Larry Odegaard. Through these many years, besides playing cards, we often went out for Friday Fish Fry's, attended several plays and concerts, enjoyed summer dinners at Ishnala and took numerous short day trips to experience lunch at several of Wisconsin's Best Ma & Pa Restaurants. We always had such a great time together sharing many jokes, laughs, political discussions and stories of our children and grandchildren. Dick was always good at embellishing his stories with his great sense of humor. Sadly, these three men are no longer with us, but I am sure John & Larry have welcomed him home to Jesus and the jokes are now flying back and forth in heaven. How does one say goodbye to such a good friend and good times? I will miss Dick immensely! Rest in peace my friend! Reading his obituary, I am reminded of his love of high-gloss finishes. I have some treasured walking sticks that he made for us and all bare his signature gloss. They rest in an honored place (an old antique milk can) in our cabin kitchen. They are too beautiful to use as they were intended. I will always think of Dick when I glance at them. My deepest sympathy to Sue, Scott & Lisa, Mark & Nikki, and Kaelyn, Nathan, Cole & Halli. May time ease your sorrow and may the many memories you have of your husband, your father and your grandfather bring you peace.
TJ
Trish Jackson
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With deepest sympathy,