Michael Ernest Hagen

Michael Ernest Hagen

Our beloved father, husband, brother, Poppi, uncle, cousin, father-in-law, brother-in-law and friend passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 in Grants Pass. A devout family man, an all-star athlete, an avid outdoorsman, and a cowboy at heart, Michael will truly be missed by all who knew him.

Michael was born the oldest of three children to Ernst and Lucille Hagen on December 20, 1940. He spent his years growing up in Marengo, Illinois where he quarterbacked his high school football team, was dubbed “Hot-Lips Hagen” for his trumpet-playing skills and made many lifetime friendships.

After high school, Michael traveled to several far-off places while he served two years as a US Navy CB. He eventually landed in Costa Mesa, California, where he met and married Shirley Littleton. There, Michael and Shirley raised three children, bowled weekly at Kona Lanes and owned and operated Hagen Radiator, a small, but successful radiator shop that had been passed down from Michael’s father.

Michael loved the outdoors and regularly joined family and friends on hunting, fishing and camping trips. He was also an enthusiastic golfer, keen poker player, master of woodworking and all-around handyman. For him, there was nothing that a roll of duct tape or a can of WD-40 couldn’t fix.

Always looking to make friends out of strangers, strengthen old bonds, and explore new lands, Michael did just that in his later years, as he and his wife Shirley toured the country in a motor home. Together they visited some of the very best people and places the United States has to offer, including the birthplace of John Wayne, Michael’s longtime icon.

After their travels, Michael and Shirley eventually settled in Grants Pass, Oregon, where they recently celebrated fifty years of marriage. Michael spent the last few years of his life there in Grants Pass, never missing the opportunity to crack a joke or make someone smile.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the folks at Kinsington Place, who so lovingly cared for Michael in his last months. They truly created a home away from home for him and ensured his comfort and happiness until the very end.

Michael is survived by his wife Shirley Hagen; children, Scott Hagen and wife, Kelly, Pam Dulong and husband, Doug, and Cindy Amzquita and husband, Omar; brother, Keith “Babe” Hagen and sister, Gretchen Hellgren; grandchildren, Makenna, Matthew, Maddy, Nicolas, Jessica, Janae, David, Santiago and Luciana; five nieces and nephews, several cousins and countless friends.

There will be an open-house style memorial service for Michael on Saturday, October 27 at 3 P.M. in his home at 2669 Raydean Dr. in Grants Pass. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

Donations in his name can be made to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, Virginia 22312.