Jean Elizabeth Hagen

Jean Elizabeth Hagen passed away peacefully Monday September 8, 2025 at Prairie Maison Nursing Center in Prairie du Chien, WI at the age of 105.

Jean was born on May 1, 1920, to Russell and Vera (Hogarth) Raymond on a farm in Lucas County, Iowa. Her father was killed in a farming accident when Jean was a baby, so along with her mother and sister moved to Newton, Iowa to live with the Raymond family. She attended school in Newton graduating from Newton High School in 1938. Jean submitted an essay and won a scholarship for a European tour from the Maytag corporation. Sailing across the ocean and visiting 6 different countries would be a fond memory she would share for the next 88 years.

Afterwards she attended Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls. Her education was interrupted by the death of her sister Dorothy from childbirth complications. Together with her mother she helped to raise her niece, Marilyn. They all moved to Waukon in 1942 where she began working as a secretary to the superintendent before marrying Walter Hagen on July 28, 1946, at First Presbyterian Church in Waukon.

Moving to the farm with Walter brought many new challenges for Jean as she had to quickly learn to cook for and feed hired men, however she always had coffee and a cookie or two ready. She held the farm together when Walter served in the Iowa State Legislature in 1960-1964 and was a strong supporter for him in all his conservation projects and leadership roles. Jean was an outstanding event planner, hosting many parties and picnics at the family pond which she helped design and develop. Hagen’s Pond hosted school conservation day for over 25 years.

As a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, she served as an elder and deacon, a leader in the Women’s organization, and representative to John Knox Presbytery. As an excellent pianist, she accompanied many soloists, including husband Walter and sang in the choir.

In their retirement years, Jean & Walter were snowbirds and traveled to Florida in the winter months. Jean enjoyed her social life with a group of friends called “the gang”, and loved playing bridge. She was a member of PEO and a lifelong member of Thursday Club, attending meetings up until this last year. Hobbies also included sewing and many crafts. She also loved her jewelry and never left the house without being accessorized. She boasted of remaining in good health in her later years, often saying she was “Excellent.”

Survivors include son, Russell (Barbara) Hagen of Waterville, IA; a daughter Sandra (Luther) Meier of Lytham St. Annes, England; 3 grandchildren, Joel (Kathilene) Hagen of Maquoketa, IA, Sarah Hagen of Waterville and Rachael (Grant) Furgiuele of Farmington, MN; 4 great grand-children Daniel, Annabelle, and Gwendolyn Hagen and Noah Furgiuele; niece Marilyn (Robert) Wills of Los Osos, CA plus many beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Walter in 2005, her parents and a sister Dorothy.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Waukon. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 am until funeral. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Waukon.

Memorials can be made to Missionary Ventures for Luther and Sandra Meier, 1017 Maitland Center Commons Blvd, Maitland, FL 32751-7205; Veterans Memorial Hospital; and First Presbyterian Church