Gregory E. Hagen, 78 of Winona, Minn., passed away at home on Monday, March 9, 2026, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by the love of his family.
Greg was born June 30, 1947, in Lanesboro, Minn., to Donna (Haakenson) and Everett Hagen. He grew up in Tawney, Minn., a place he held in his heart his entire life. He graduated from Mabel High School and obtained his bachelor’s degree from Winona State University. On September 1, 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Louise Redwing, and together they raised two children, Andy and Betsy.
Greg began his career working for Lake Center Industries in the 1970s (later TRW Automotive). He loved what he did, but he loved the people that he worked with even more. So much so that he worked for the company until he retired in 2007 as the Director of Operations North America. Throughout his 30-plus year career, Greg held various positions, made many memories and met many people, many of whom became lifelong friends.
Greg loved people. And people loved Greg. He had a kind heart and made you feel important, no matter who you were. Greg always took time for those who crossed his path. He made time for the church, ushering and counting offerings. He made time for his community, through serving on community boards and volunteering. He spent time with friends golfing and camping in Chickentown. And most of all, he made time for his family. You would always find him at a swim meet, ski race, or band concert supporting his kids because he very, very rarely missed their events.
In retirement, Greg continued connecting with, and prioritizing, people. He loved spending time in Chickentown with his family and friends, and sharing stories of the old Tawney store and schoolhouse. Greg and Mary traveled often and in 2018, they made it a priority to take the entire family to Norway for their 50th wedding anniversary. Greg often golfed with his grandkids and he loved to watch their love of the game grow. And more than anything, Greg enjoyed watching his grandkids do what they loved doing. He attended as many events as he could, and never passed up the chance to give them a little “walk around” money. He took every opportunity he could to pass on his generous and kind spirit to his grandkids.
Greg is survived by his children: Andy (Jina) Hagen and Betsy (Chris) Wells; four grandchildren: Benna, Oliver, Ila and Emmett; special friend Bonnie Retzinger, siblings Kris (Doug) Thompson, Laurie (Todd) Jensen, Carol (Wayne) Olson, Craig (Sharon) Lanswerk, Nancy (Palmer Borgen) Hylland, and Cindy Lanswerk; and many other close relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Everett and Donna, Stepmom Doris Lanswerk Hagen, and wife of 55 years, Mary.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on April 17, 2026, at Central Lutheran Church. Placement in the niche will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Winona. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at Central Lutheran Church. Celebration of Life will be held at the Eagles Club #1243 1-5 p.m.
Memorials can be directed to Central Lutheran Church.
Services entrusted to Fawcett Junker Funeral Home & Crematory, Winona, Minn. www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com.
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