Betty J. Hagen, of Prior Lake, passed away on March 11, 2019 at the age of 89. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant Street SE) in Prior Lake. A C elebration of Life Service is Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church (3611 North Berens Road) in Prior Lake. Betty’s grandchildren will act as urn bearers, and Betty will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
On March 19, 1929, Betty Josephine Bianco was born to parents Joseph & Elizabeth Bianco. Betty was one of eight children, and she loved growing up in Newton, Massachusetts with her siblings, Dom, Viola, Angie, Sam, Patty, Nancy & Jimmy. Her childhood was a happy one. She made many wonderful friends and loved spending time with her family.
A couple years after graduating from high school, Betty knew the west coast was calling her. Her mother encouraged her to follow this dream, so Betty headed west with a couple girlfriends and settled in California.
While living in California, she was set up on a blind date with Don Hagen. They came from very different backgrounds, Don being the only child from a Norwegian family and Betty coming from a big Italian family, but their love flourished. On February 19, 1955 they exchanged wedding vows in Long Beach, California. Don and Betty were blessed with 4 wonderful children, Susan, Kris, John and Judy.
In 1963, the Hagens moved to Burnsville, MN . Betty was at home with the kids while they were young. She taught them the importance of family and always had a delicious meal ready for them. Betty was a wonderful baker and cook , especially her Italian dishes with lasagna being everyone’s favorite . Once the kids were all in school, Betty began working as a secretary for the Vice Principal of Burnsville High School. She loved her job, coworkers and all the students from BHS.
In retirement, Betty and Don enjoyed traveling. They took many road trips, went on cruises and took a memorable trip to Italy with many of Betty’s siblings. Betty also enjoyed knitting, golfing, and playing Bridge with a group of life-long friends.
Although Betty had many hobbies, family was her biggest priority. She loved having the family over for Sunday dinners. When grandkids arrived, Betty and Don couldn’t get enough of them. Kevin, Lukas, Joe, Emily & Liz were the light of Betty’s life, and she would do anything for them.
About nine years ago, Don & Betty both dealt with some health issues, so they moved into McKenna Crossing Senior Living. They made new friends and loved having their daughter, Susan live with them. Betty spent many wonderful years at McKenna.
Betty was a fun – loving and outgoing person . She was kind, generous and loved her family deeply. Betty will be remembered always by her loving children, Susan Hagen, Kris Hagen, John (Rose) Hagen, Judy (Doug) Johnson; grandchildren, Jo e , Emily & Liz Hagen , Kevin & Lukas Johnson ; b rother, Jimmy Bianco; many nieces & nephews, other loving relatives and devoted friends. Betty was greeted in Heaven by her husband, Don Hagen ; p arents, Joseph & Elizabeth Bianco; s iblings Dom, Viola, Angie, Sam, Patty & Nancy .
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly serves the Hagen family. www.BallardSunderFuneral.com
