George Hagen

Hagen George George Hagen peacefully passed away at home on October 13th with his wife, Joyce, at his side. He had been dealing with congestive heart failure for several months. George was born April 1, 1927 in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. He was the eldest of five children born to George and Margaret Heidt Hagen. Upon graduating from high school in 1944 George went to work in the shipyards of Sturgeon Bay, where he learned to weld, a skill that served him well when he later attended collage. George enlisted in the army at the age of 18. He was sent to Korea as part of the Army of Occupation following the surrender of the Japanese and the ending of World War II.Utilizing the GI Bill, in 1948 George enrolled at Whitewater College in Whitewater, Wisconsin. He graduated in four years while attending school full time and working a 40-hour a week job welding at a trailer company. Upon graduating in 1952, George found employment in Paradise, Michigan as the only teacher at the secondary level. He taught every subject along with driving the bus and teaching the students how to play basketball. In later years the students would remember him as that guy who used to hit golf balls down the middle of the street. A very successful career in education followed with George working in various Michigan districts. George continued his education while working and received his Masters Degree from the University of Michigan in 1959. In 1961 George was appointed to the job as principal of Bedford Junior High. While at Bedford George was promoted to Superintendent of Schools, a position he would hold for 16 years. During that time period Bedford was experiencing growth issues and George successfully passed bond issues to build the Junior High School, Smith Road Elementary School, a bus garage additions to the existing elementary schools and refitted the old Lambertville School into an administration building. That school building is now a vibrant commercial building. Community Education programs were started and Bedford is recognized as a leading example of a Community Education School System. Perhaps one of Georges greatest skills was in his ability to relate to persons from all walks of life. He was an administrator who could lead but not be a dictator. He was a person who was sensitive to the needs of others. He at one time hired a young woman living in the Philippines who could come to the United States only if she had a job. Not only did he hire her but took her into his family home until she could get her feet on the ground. That one woman through hard work then brought over other family members who have become outstanding, contributing citizens of the USA. George cherished the lifelong relationships he had with a large and diverse group of friends. George made his last career move in 1984 when he assumed the position of Superintendent of the Butler County Schools in southern Ohio. One of his outstanding achievements in that district was to create a county wide system of being self insured thereby saving the locals a great deal of money on health premiums. George retired in 1989 and he and his wife returned to Bedford Township to be close to the family and friends that he loved. Retirement found George indulging in his favorite pastimes of golfing and sailing. The Hagens had a summer home in Door County, Wisconsin and enjoyed entertaining large groups of family and friends there. Woodworking became an interest of Georges. He built cradles for his daughters and their new babies and doll cradles for the granddaughters. The greatest achievement came in building cabinets for the kitchen in the summer home. These cabinets were built while living in Ohio and over an Easter break were moved and installed in Wisconsin. George was a strong supporter of the University of Michigan and loved attending football games. He held season tickets for 30 years. Tailgating was a favorite Saturday pastime. George had a dry sense of humor. The following would be his thought on his own passing: I dreamt of heaven the other night And the pearly gates swung wide An angel with halo bright Ushered me inside. And there to my astonishment Stood folks Id judged and labeled As quite “unfit”- of little worth And spiritually disabled Indignant words rose to my lips But never were set free For every face showed stunned surprise No one expected me. George is survived by Joyce his loving wife of 33 years, son, Jeffery (Pat) Hagen, daughter, Pamela Hagen, daughter Sirri (Ted) Neuman, stepdaughter, Anna (Mike) Durham, stepdaughter, Jennifer Landin, stepdaughter Jackie (Tom) Anderson, 15 grandchildren, one great grandchild, two sisters and two brothers. Georges family would especially like to thank the Hospice family of Mark, Courtney, and Cheryl for their loving care during the last seven months. Visitation will be held at Sylvania United Church of Christ from 4pm to 8pm on Tuesday October 20th. A memorial service will follow on Wednesday October 21st at 11am at the Sylvania United Church of Christ; 7240 Erie St., Sylvania, OH 43560. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio (800 S. Detroit Ave. Toledo, OH 43609) or the Sylvania United Church of Christ. Georges care has been entrusted to the Cremation Society of Toledo. Online condolences may be shared below.