Ione Hagen was born November 19, 1924, to Peter and Ida (Kittelson) Wennes in Spring Grove, Minn. She grew up enjoying the chores and joys of the farm life alongside her dad, mom and older brother Leslie. She finished country school in the eighth grade at Highland Township in Winneshiek County, Iowa in 1936 and graduated from high school in Decorah, Iowa, in 1941. She later attended Luther College in Decorah for two years, then began her love of teaching for two years in the country school she attended as a child. She went back to Luther College and graduated with high honors earning a BA Degree with Certification to teach Music! She left home for Glenwood, Minn., and began her first professional job as a parish secretary at Glenwood Lutheran Church. It was in the neighboring town of Starbuck, Minn., that she would meet her future husband Dean LeRoy Hagen after he returned from World War II. They married in 1954 in La Crosse, Wis., at the Trinity Lutheran Church where she took a position as parish worker. From there, Minneapolis was home until 1963, then moved to the farm in Buffalo, Minn., to raise her family of five children: Steven Dean, David Lee, Deone Marie, Susan Ilene, and Daniel Paul. Her wisdom and kindness as a mother will be cherished always. She taught an adult Bethel Bible Series at Zion Lutheran during this time also.
After raising her five children on the farm, she resided in the city of Buffalo for the remaining 40 years of life. Her last three teaching positions included Christian Schools; Rivercrest of Monticello, New Life and Community Christian of Buffalo. Homeschooling her grandchildren was her final form of teaching.
Retirement revolved around her home, church, government, and her growing family. Her home was warm and peaceful to all who entered! Many Sundays after church she would invite people and graciously serve a nice meal. The missions committee and music were other ministries she was involved in. At age 98, she served on the election committee at the Hope Community! Holidays for family were spectacular too! Preschool grandchildren came for a season for Grandma’s love and cares!
“The greatest joy of living for me has been the knowledge that I am just a vessel – a pitcher with a handle and spout – filled with the results of my choices and the choices of everyone who has touched my life, sanctified by Jesus Christ and poured out wherever He chooses.” Quote from Ione in Who’s Who in Religion.
In conclusion, we realized this doesn’t begin to touch her attributes such as how warm, kind, tough yet gentle, devoted, unselfish, servant, counselor, witty, grateful, and generous she was! She never spoke a harsh or mean word and never complained about ANYTHING.
Ione is survived by her five children: Steve Hagen, Dave (Susan) Hagen, Deone (Brian) Bayliss, Susie (Rick) Czanstkowski, Daniel (Jan) Hagen. She is also survived by grandchildren: Paul (Tammy) and Eric Hagen, Edelweise Hagen, Jacob Hagen, Matthew Hagen, Joshua (Erin) Young, Amber (Eric) Johnson, David Young, Cortney (Justin) Happe, Darren Czanstkowski (Sherrie Smith), Brooke Oelfke-Hagen (Grant Overland), Erica Czanstkowski (Garrett Hackworth) Brianna (Scott) Ricenbaw, Griffin (Elsie) LeClair and Taralyn Hagen; great-grandchildren: Justin, Ryan and Darren Hagen, Nicolas and Alexander Hagen, Bryson, Kinsley and Kyla Young, Makenna Weege, Ryder Johnson, Austin, Kiley, Emily Happe, Brynlie Czanstkowski, Caidy Hughes, Elliott and Tate Overland, baby Hackworth on the way, Kaleigh Rae and Rylee Kate Ricenbaw, and Saige Juniper LeClair; nieces and nephews.
Ione was preceded in death by Peter (Ida) Wennes, Leslie (Gladys) Wennes, former husband Dean Hagen, grandson Brandon Czanstkowski, granddaughter Evergreen Hagen and great-grandson Drake Johnson.
Ione Carolyn Eloise Hagen went to be with Jesus peacefully on August 24, 2024, in the presence of her five children at home. Ione was buried at Swedish Mission Cemetery at her graveside service with family and friends on August 26, 2024. All who knew and loved Ione are welcome to attend her Celebration of Life (99+ years) at Hope Community Church 206 2nd Avenue NE, Buffalo, Minn. 55313 at 5 p.m. on September 6, 2024. There will be food and fellowship after the service downstairs.
The Peterson Chapel assisted the family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences can be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.
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