John Hagen

John Duane Hagen, 61, of Menahga, Minnesota passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's Area Health Services in Park Rapids, Minnesota on July 3rd, 2013, with loved ones by his side. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 12th, 2013 at 11:00am at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga, with Pastor Steve Bruer officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

John was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on July 24th, 1951 to Clifford and Shirley (Olson) Hagen. He was raised in the Minneapolis area, graduating from high school in 1969. After high school, John enlisted in the Navy where he proudly served our country, and through hard work and determination, earned the title of a Navy SEAL. In 1989, John met the love of his life, Brenda Hanninen, and they began their life together. In 1991, the couple moved to the Menahga area where John lived out the remainder of his days. John was a hard worker and he put his heart and soul into whatever job he was doing. This was evident to anyone who stopped in at Ted's Hardware in Menahga and was greeted with a friendly "hello". John enjoyed being around people and was ready to share his knowledge with anyone who was seeking it. John loved being outdoors. He could often be found on the lake in either his fish house or boat, depending on the season, or you could find him on one of the local bridges where he knew exactly what was being caught by whom, and what time of day the fish were biting. Along with fishing, John enjoyed deer hunting. He could sit in the woods all day, just filled with anticipation on bringing home the "big one". John also liked to spend happy hour at the Menahga VFW Club Post 6206 where he was a lifetime member. More than anything, John loved visits from his kids and grandkids. He loved telling stories and anyone who ran into him knew just how proud he was of each and every one of them.

John will lovingly be remembered by his son, Clint Hagen of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, his step-daugher, Sara (Eric) Makela of Menahga, Minnesota, Six grandchildren, Brandon and Megan Hagen of Pea Ridge, Arkansas and Hailey Usher, Madison, Gracie, and Emmitt Makela, all of Menahga, Minnesota, and host of people who called him "Friend". He was preceded in death by Brenda Hanninen, his parents, Clifford Hagen, and Duane and Shirley Corey, and his brother Dennis Hagen.