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Harold Hagen Obituary
Kip was born Nov. 15, 1951, in Scranton, Pa., to Harold "Bud" and Helen Buschmann Hagen. At that time, his family owned the Hagen Lumber Company in downtown Scranton. Kip graduated from La Salle University in Philadelphia in 1973 and began a wonderful career with the National Park Service in 1976. In 1997, he returned to the Scranton area to work at Steamtown National Historic Site and in 2002 became superintendent. He cherished the National Park Service and his beloved colleagues at the park.
Kip was a loving husband to his wife, Donna, married in 2002. Kip was also a devoted father to his son Jim (and wife Emily) of Baltimore, Md.; his daughter, Sarah of Berkeley, Calif.; and his step-daughter, Ashley (and husband John) of Washington, D.C. Kip was a cherished brother to Nancy (and husband Keith) of Center Harbor, N.H.; and most specially, Kip was "Pop Pop" to Peter, Isabel and Grace; and Uncle Kip to many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Kathleen Robinson.
An avid boater, fisherman and snowmobiler, Kip and Donna enjoyed living on Lake Wallenpaupack and vacationing on the eastern shore of Virginia. When Kip wasn't renovating historic homes or restoring antique boats, their favorite memories were made spending time with family and friends — especially at Ehrhardt's Restaurant in Hawley.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. in St. Paul's Church, 1510 Penn Ave., Scranton. Interment, private, St. Catherine's Cemetery, Covington Twp.
Friends may call Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Howard J. Snowdon Funeral Home, 1810 Sanderson Ave., Scranton.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations in Kip's name to the Locomotive Restoration Fund, which will work with Steamtown National Historic Site to continue the restoration of the 3713 Boston & Maine Locomotive, a project Kip was very dedicated to: Locomotive Restoration Fund, Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railway Historic Society, PO Box 3452, Scranton PA 18505.
For online condolences, go to www.duffyandsnowdon.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harold Hagen
Tim Harvey
December 11, 2020
Kip, I often think of you with fond memories of our professional, but most importantly, personal relationship. You were my mentor and friend. I would have never reached the successes in my career without your guidance and advice. I will always remember your wit, how you would come up with jokes "off the cuff". You always brought a smile to my day. May you rest in peace my friend.
Marilee & Bill Toomey
December 21, 2013
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Kip was such a nice person and so kind to our grandkids, especially Sheamus. We will miss his presence at the lake.
Everyone at Gumble Brothers
December 21, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hagen family. Kip Hagen was a frequent and welcome visitor to our store in Paupack, right around the corner from where he lived in Tafton. He was one of the most personable and congenial individuals that ever walked through our doors, and we looked forward to him coming in to visit and pick up a few things for his weekend projects. We'll miss his engaging smile and his kind words.
Rod & Beulah Rodrigue
December 19, 2013
Donna, you are in our prayers
Tim Harvey
December 18, 2013
Kip,
Thank you for your leadership, your professionalism and most importantly your wonderful friendship! You will live on through all the people you have touched. Mine in particular!!!!
Leonard F. Shaner, Jr.
December 17, 2013
The family of Kip's are in my prayers.
I met Kip through the VIP program at Steamtown.
Marie Killian
December 17, 2013
I worked with Kip for many years while with NPS, and in every instance he showed integrity, kindness and devotion to his job. He was always optimistic, with a kind word and a smile for each person he met. He will be missed. My thoughts are prayers are with you and the family.
Larry Eastwood
December 17, 2013
I first met Kip when he came to Steamtown in 1997 as we began to organize the teenage RailCamp. His unwavering support for this educational concept for young people interested in rail history preservation as well as transportation careers was so large. Many of those who attended RailCamp have gone on to professional rail transportation careers as a result of their involvement in RailCamp. I considered Kip as a friend as well as a rail history colleague. My heart is heavy with his loss, and Donna, his wife, should know that he touched more lives than can be imagined.
Judie Knapp
December 17, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I will miss your beautiful smile you always gave me at the winery.I will cherish the Christmas Hug you gave. God needed another angel. May God comfort you all
Nick Spock
December 17, 2013
I was lucky enough to meet Kip Hagen a few times, both as a visitor Steamtown and as a member of a local railroad museum. He was never anything less than approachable, genial and always optimistic about the park and the region's future.
My sincerest, deepest condolences to his wonderful family, (never met them, but such a great guy could only come from an equally great family), as well as his NPS family
Michael Doherty
December 17, 2013
Kip was one of the most personable and genuine people I have ever met. We first worked together around 1975 @ Tha National Visitor Center and will always remember the great times.
There are not enough words. May God watch over his family, and bring them peace.
Jim Finan
December 17, 2013
Hagen family,
I met Kip in 2005 and began a working relationship that turned into a friendship. We shared a dedication for all things 'railroad' and I knew Kip was a dedicated steward from our first meeting. Always found him upbeat, a problem solver not giver, and a steady voice in even the hardest of times in the NPS history. I am very sorry to hear about Kip's passing and offer my condolences, thoughts and prayers to the family.
Dennis Reidenbach
December 17, 2013
All of us within the National Park Service Family have lost a dear colleague and friend. Kip was dedicated to the National Park Service mission and did an outstanding job as Park Superintendent at Steamtown National Historic Site. He will be missed deeply by all of us within the National Park Service who knew him. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Donna and the entire extended family.
Dennis Reidenbach
Northeast Regional Director
National Park Service
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