Fred Hagen

After a wonderful life filled with memories of much happiness and love, Fred C. Hagen JR. passed away peacefully on Friday, July 15, 2011 at the age of 88 years at Bethany Retirement home in Fargo. The son of Fred and Muriel (Hawley) Hagen, Fred was born in Fargo on November 22, 1922. He graduated from Central High School in 1940. He went on to serve his country in WWII as a member of 201st Infantry in the Aleutian Islands. Achieving the rank of Platoon Sergeant, he returned from war and trained troops stateside until his discharge in 1946. Two of his prized alliances were the VFW and American Legion, in which he took great pride. Fred graduated from North Dakota State University, Fargo, with a major in English and was an avid alumnus. While at NDSU, he was also a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity where he formed some of his most cherished lifelong friendships. Fred was a manufacturers’ representative for most of his working life. He moved to Minneapolis where he was the Midwest Sales Manager for Owens Corning, and also received honors for the top sales representative for Builder Services and Stott Building Supply before he returned to Fargo. He was united in marriage to his late wife Carol Beals, until her death in 1988. He was involved in many volunteer groups and sports associations. As an active member of the Humane Society, it was not uncommon for him to bring stray animals home and keep them until he found a suitable place for them to live. Fred was an active member in forming the Fargo Central High School Alumni Association. Fred was able to move to a different phase in his life with the support of Alcoholics Anonymous and all the wonderful people associated with it. Next to his family, his biggest joy was hockey. Being able to watch his sons or grandchildren play was his greatest pleasure. One of his most honored achievements was in 1986 when he was awarded and named the “Founding Father of Bison Hockey”. His goal was to see NDSU and hockey as a varsity sport for both boys and girls. This dream was never realized, but through his efforts and those of others hundreds of kids were able to play competitive hockey at the collegiate level. The many National Championship banners that hang at the coliseum are a tribute to “the Irishman behind the net” that got the ball rolling. Humorous one liners and jokes filled Fred’s everyday life. This was Fred, laughing with friends and family and enjoying what is best about life. A special thanks goes to Dr. Clemenson and The Elmwood Unit at Bethany Care and Retirement Living for all of their efforts and compassion. Fred is lovingly remembered by his four children: Susan (Joe) De Iure ; Bud (Julie) Hagen; Martha (Ed) Wallace; Mark (Kris) Hagen; grandchildren, Bradley De Iure, Kristy De Iure; Stacey (Nate) Kurek, Samantha and Jake Hagen; niece and nephew, Sarah and John Stuber. Fred’s family was his life. His greatest blessings were his children. He will be sadly missed by them. He was preceded in death by his his parents; wife ,Carol; and sister, Marlo Stuber. Prayer services and a celebration of Fred’s life will be held Wednesday July 20, 6:00 PM at Hanson Runsvold Funeral Home visitation at 5:00. The funeral will be held at Peace Lutheran Church on the corner of 10th Street and 12th Ave N. on July 21 at 11:00 AM.