William J. ’Bill’ Hagen Sr.

He was born in Fargo on August 21, 1922, to Agnes Berg and Charles Hagen, graduating from Fargo Central High School in 1941. Bill joined the North Dakota National Guard and worked at Fargo Standard Oil Company. He was called to active duty on February 10, 1941, with Company B of the 164th Infantry Regiment, taking part in the Guadalcanal campaign. He spent 39 months overseas and was honorably discharged on July 28, 1945.On May 11, 1946, he was united in marriage with Lorraine Hellem of Moorhead at Moorhead, MN. In 1948, he moved his family south to attend the electrical program at Wahpeton State College. After returning to Fargo-Moorhead, he worked as a painter until he joined American Linen Supply Company of Fargo in 1951. During his 35 years with the company, he worked in route sales, as service manager, office manager and as purchasing agent. He enjoyed gardening, but loved fishing – especially for walleyes in Minnesota. He was a faithful fan of Moorhead Spuds hockey games, Minnesota Twins baseball, Vikings football or any game where he could cheer on his kids or grandkids as they played. In 2009, Bill and Lorraine moved to Eventide Catered Living in Moorhead. Bill and Lorraine celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with family and friends the weekend before his death.He was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead. He was recently recognized for his 60 years of membership in the American Legion Post 2 in Fargo, where he served as a member of the American Legion Honor Guard. He was proud to participate in the Honor Flight to Washington, DC, in 2007.He is survived by his wife Lorraine; daughter, Cheryl Roger Thorpe of Moorhead; sons, Rick Sharon Hagen of McKinney, TX., Bill Chris Hagen of Moorhead, and David Trish Hagen of Mundelien, IL; eight grandchildren, Rachel John Poole Gordon, Matthew Cassie Hagen, John Shahna Hagen, Becky Matt Abel, Laura Jonathan Osinga, Jenna Tony Nelson, Dave Hagen and Emily Hagen; seven great- grandchildren, Everett and Elias Nelson, Gavin Poole, Mercee Hagen and Talen Emil, Kenna and Emily Osinga plus great-grandson Osinga due next month; sister-in-laws, Melba Hagen of Moorhead and Billie Hagen of Bellvue, WA; and many nieces and nephews.Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Don, Charles and Ed Hagen; sister Helen Akers; sister-in-law Ava Hagen; brother-in-law Ken Akers; niece Karen Akers and nephew Keith Hagen.