Mary Louise Hagen, 76, of Winona, passed away Friday, October 27, 2023, at Benedictine – Saint Anne, surrounded by family and lifelong friends.
Mary was born June 3, 1947, in Spring Grove, Minn. Her parents were Amanda (Overby) and Lester Redwing. She graduated from Mabel High School in Mabel, Minn., and received her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota. On September 1, 1968, she married Gregory Hagen and together they raised two children, Andy and Betsy.
Mary was an active community member. When her children were young, she often chose to lend her time and talents to their activities, organizations and clubs. Whether it was designing a swim club t-shirt, planning a school carnival with the W-K PTA or organizing every news article of a ski/swim season into a book so each athlete would have documentation of a successful season, her creativity, dedication to organization and helping things run smoothly were just a few of her gifts. Mary was a member of Central Lutheran Church. In the early years she dedicated much of her time working with the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School programs. As years went on, she continued to volunteer and attend services. Even up until her last days, she loved attending Central Lutheran services when Pastor Linda and Pastor Short visited St. Annes.
mary was employed with Winona Area Public Schools for over 30 years. She began her career at Winona Junior High as a Home Economics teacher. After taking time to raise her kids, she returned to the district as a homebound teacher. Mary took so much pride in this work and was dedicated to each student she served. She truly enjoyed getting to work with students one on one, and each of those students had a special place in her heart.
In retirement, Mary and Greg loved to travel! In all, Mary made seven trips to Norway and was passionate about her Norwegian heritage. She shared that passion with her family every chance she could and they are determined to continue the lovely traditions of baking and crafts that she taught them. Mary cherished time with her grandchildren, and nobody could make her smile more than those four kids! She was their number one fan in anything they chose to do!
Mary is survived by her husband of 55 years, Greg; children Andy (Jina) Hagen and Betsy (Chris) Wells; four grandchildren: Benna, Oliver, Ila and Emmett; a brother, Chuck (Linda) Redwing and many other beloved relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 10, 2023, at Central Lutheran Church, with Rev. Michael Short officiating. Interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery, Winona at a later date. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, November 9, at Fawcett Junker Funeral Home and beginning at 10 a.m. Friday at Central Lutheran.
Memorials can be directed to Central Lutheran Church or the Foundation for Winona Area Public Schools.
Services entrusted to Fawcett Junker Funeral Home & Crematory, Winona, Minn. Online condolences can be left at www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com.
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