Gerald L. Haagenson, 80, of Mabel, Minn., passed away Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Gundersen Medical Center in La Crosse, Wis.
Gerald was born March 12, 1943, in Spring Grove to Giffen and Lillian (Lysgaard) Haagenson. He was baptized at the Garness Trinity Lutheran Church, confirmed at the Henrytown Lutheran Church, and graduated from the Mabel High School.
Gerald served in the United States Army from February 10, 1965, to January 27, 1967, and was stationed in Germany, Alabama, and Utah. He worked for Koehler Auto Body in Winona and was a foreman for Mabel Lumber Company in Mabel. He married Janet Wilcox on March 23, 1968.
He was a member of American Legion Post 299 for 56 years, and VFW Post 2769. Gerald enjoyed working with wood projects, fishing, BINGO, and going out to eat.
Gerald is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jan; a brother, Larry (Sharol) of Dakota, Minn.; a sister-in-law, Linda Walker of Lake City; four brothers-in-law: Leon (Robin) Wilcox of Brownsdale, Dale (Tammy) Wilcox of Osage, Iowa, Russell Wilcox of LeRoy, and Tom (Lisa) Wilcox of LeRoy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters-in-law Lillian Wilcox and June Gandon, five brothers-in-law: Robert and George Wilcox, Joe Ganson, Tom Walker, and Joe Erickson; his mother- and father-in-law, nieces Laurene and Tammy Martin, and nephew Billy Wilcox.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, February 16, at the Mabel First Lutheran Church in Mabel. Military honors will follow. Burial will be at a later date in the LeRoy Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. The Mengis Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.