General Information
Full Name: Donald Edward Hagen
Date of Birth: June 16, 1928
Date of Death: June 1, 2013
Don’s life story
Donald “Don” E. Hagen
On June 16, 1928 in Albert Lea, MN, Donald Edward was the only child born to parents Elmer and Palma (Hanson) Hagen. Don’s childhood was spent in Albert Lea. He enjoyed summers working on the Lunde farm with his cousins who were like brothers to him. It was at the farm where Don’s lifelong love of animals began. Don was a proud graduate of the class of 1946 from Albert Lea High School.
At the age of 17 Don enlisted in the Navy where he actively served for four years as a member of the bomb disposal team and developed advanced naval aviation ordnance. He was honorably discharged in 1950 but continued serving in the Naval Reserves until 1955. While in the Naval Reserves, he attended the College of Augustana in Sioux Falls, SD and graduated with a degree in mathematics. Don later moved to California and earned his master’s degree in computer science from UCLA.
While living in California, Don was set up on a blind date with Betty Josephine Bianco. 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 grew. On February 19, 1955 they exchanged wedding vows in Long Beach, California. Don and Betty were blessed with 4 children, Susan, Kris, John and Judy.
As the family grew, Don became known for his famous buttermilk pancakes. He would often treat his family to pancakes on weekends, and this became a favorite family memory. Don loved spending time with his children while chauffeuring them to work and other social commitments. Don and Betty raised their family in Burnsville, MN where they lived for over 40 years.
Don had over 34 years of experience working with military computer systems design and application. He was employed by Douglas Aircraft, Hughes Aircraft and Sperry/Unisys Defense Computer Systems.
Don dappled in woodworking and thoroughly enjoyed putting together model train sets, but his true passion in life was his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved hosting the grandkids whenever they would stay home sick from school. Don always kept up on recent sporting events and especially liked hearing about how his grandson Lukas did racing cars. Don was known to all as family man.
The evening of Saturday, June 1, 2013, Don, age 84, entered God’s arms at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, MN. He will be missed as a devoted husband, patient dad and loving grandpa.
Deeply missed and remember always by those who loved Don, wife of 58 years, Betty of Prior Lake; children, Susan Hagen of Prior Lake, Kris Hagen of Ramsey, John (Rose) Hagen of Prior Lake, Judy (Doug) Johnson of Farmington; grandchildren, Joseph, Emily, Elizabeth, Kevin and Lukas; other loving relatives and devoted friends. Don is preceded in death by his parents.
Urn bearers for Don will be his five grandchildren.
The visitation will be on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, from 4-7 pm at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, 4565 Pleasant Street, Prior Lake and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. The Celebration of Life Service will be on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 10:30 am, at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, 3611 North Berens Road NW, Prior Lake. Rev. Mark Schmid will preside. Don will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
The Hagen family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Prior Lake Chapel.
Visitation
When: Wednesday, June 5, 2013 4 – 7 pm
Location: Ballard Sunder Funeral Home
Address: 4565 Pleasant Street SE
Prior Lake, MN
Service Information
When: Thursday, June 6th, 10:30 am
Location: Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church
Address: 3611 North Berens Road NW
Prior Lake, MN
Interment
Fort Snelling National Cemetery
Minneapolis, MN
