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Norman Eugene Hagen

Norman Eugene Hagen, 81, passed away peacefully on Dec. 11, in Columbia Falls, at home with his wife, Mary Ann, by his side.

Norm was born Dec. 15, 1936 in Plentywood, to Carl and Ella Hagen. Norman lived in Dooley with siblings Inez, Chester, Kerel, and Dean. His father passed away when Norman was young, and his mother continued to raise the family on her own. Later Ella married a family friend, Niels Jensen, and moved to his farm. Norman had fond memories of his farm life, attending Dooley School and the local church. He later moved to Plentywood with his mother and stepfather, and it was here that he met his lifelong friend, Randy Vogel. Norm graduated from Plentywood School in 1955 and attended Eastern Montana College graduating with a business degree.

Norman spent many summers farming with his brother Chester. It was during this time that he met Mary Ann Hanson of Westby. They were married Dec. 20, 1958 and both attended Eastern Montana College.

Norman and his brother, Kerel, purchased a Tastee Freez in Poplar and ran it for two summers before Norman accepted a teaching job at Lockwood School in Billings.

Norman had a love of cars and took immaculate care of them. Upon selling the Tastee Freez, he had the choice of buying his dream car (T-Bird) or putting a down payment on a house. His choice allowed the purchase of a duplex that they shared with Norm’s mother. Norman’s love of cars continued, and Mary never knew what car to look for when Norm came to pick her up after school.

In 1963 Norman and Mary moved to Columbia Falls where Norman taught many different ages but settled in the business department of Columbia Falls High School. He enjoyed coaching football, managing the concession stands and selling tickets at sporting events. Norman was active at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and in the Lions Club.

While helping people in the Flood of 1964, Norman was hired as a ranger at Glacier National Park, a job he dearly loved. He worked summers for years, only taking time off to get his master’s degree in education at Montana State University.

In retirement, Norman worked for Melby’s Home Interiors and built and remodeled homes with his brother, Dean. Norm and Mary Ann spent time in Arizona, traveled to Minnesota and other places with family and friends.

Norman was thankful for the many medical professionals that cared for him during his illness. He was able to remain at home with the continued support of family and friends that were always nearby to help. Special thanks to constant caregivers, Gina Baker and Melissa Snyder.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Ella Hagen, Niels Jensen, siblings Chester (Phyllis) Hagen, Inez (Guy) Ault, Kerel (Maripat) Hagen, niece Judy, nephew Curtis, and son-in-law Craig Pickard.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, his children and grandchildren Brett, Lisa, Lexie, and Blake Hagen; Todd, Susan and Jacob Hagen; and Marna, Anna and Will Pickard; brother Dean (Clariss) Hagen and numerous nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

Norman will be remembered as a kind, gentle, man who had a genuine love for people. His legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren. Services were Saturday, Dec. 15 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls. Memorials can be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, PO Box 2770, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.