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BORN
1958
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
Daniel "Dan" Hagfors Obituary
It is with incredible sadness that the Hagfors family announces the unexpected passing of Daniel (Dan) James Hagfors, 64, of Holt, Michigan.
Dan was born November 4, 1958, in Minneapolis and received his angel wings on October 10, 2023. Dan lived in Minnesota and Illinois before moving to Michigan to attend Michigan State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Dan’s 40+ year advertising career began in Jackson radio and grew into radio, print, and television advertising sales in the Lansing area. After 25+ years in the industry, Dan opened Hagfors Marketing Team, an agency specializing in helping small and family-owned businesses grow through traditional media advertising.
Dan’s other great career passion was giving back to his community as an educator and instructor. Dan served as a Dale Carnegie instructor, leading his courses with (10x) enthusiasm and energy from 2004 until the day of his passing. Dan also taught marketing courses at Lansing Community College since 2014.
The end of each LCC school year marked the start of the “Summer of Dan”. If not on the golf course, Dan could be found at classic car shows with his Javelin, taking in the sunset from his porch with a cigar, planning his winter Florida getaway, and more recently, napping with his new grandson.
Dan is survived by his children Erin Hagfors, Ross (Jessica) Hagfors, Dustin (Ken) Bowerman-Hagfors, grandson (pride & joy) Michael James Hagfors, father Larry Hagfors, two brothers Tim (Sarah) and Jeff Hagfors, sister in law Terri Hagfors, partner Lynda Cowes, and several nieces, nephews and close friends. Dan was preceded in death by his mother Judith Hagfors and his brother Mike (Terri) Hagfors.
Dan deeply valued every relationship in his life, including those with his Dale Carnegie and LCC students, HMT clients, industry partners, classic car enthusiasts, golf buddies, and dear friends of the Faith Brothers men's bible study group.
The family invites you to share your stories of remembrance during visitation on Friday, October 20 from 11:00am – 1:00pm at South Church in Lansing. The visitation will be immediately followed by a celebration of Dan’s incredible life at 1pm, also at South Church. A private reception for family members will be hosted following the service. In honor of Dan’s favorite weekend of the football season, guests are encouraged to show their MSU & Dan spirit by wearing Spartan green and white.
In lieu of flowers, the Hagfors family would like to honor Dan’s giving spirit and ask that donations be made to the City Rescue Mission of Lansing in Dan’s name, a charity close to his heart.
South Church: 5250 Cornerstone Drive, Lansing, MI 48917
The celebration of life service will also be live-streamed at southlife.org/funeral, beginning at 1pm.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel "Dan" Hagfors
Lynda Cowes
November 2, 2023
I am so blessed that our friendship grew into a strong and loving companionship in the last few years. I cherish the memories we shared as they are helping me get through this mountain of grief. I am so blessed that your family has taken me in their arms so that I am not alone. Because you are a man of God, I know that you are with Him and living among the angels.
Dan, you lived your life in such a way as to help others and spent your last hours on this earth preparing to do just that. I am so blessed that I was able to witness your kindness, patience, love, knowledge and understanding with not only your friends and family, but also with your students. You always had a “hand-up” for those that suffered. You thanked God daily in prayer. You gave of yourself to others.
I cherish the day I can see you again, and until then, you are forever in my heart. I love you, Dan-O.
Jeff Hagfors
October 22, 2023
Dan,
This past Friday 10/20/23 many of us got to gather together in your honor to celebrate your life.
What a wonderful celebration it was. Erin, Ross, Jessica, Dustin, Kenny, and Linda did a great job putting everything together.
I know that you are proud of their accomplishments. It was so comforting and fun. We all had a great time. I kept thinking that you would be joining us in person almost expecting you to show up at any moment.
Tonya then reminded me that you were already there!!
It was so heartwarming with people I never met before came up to tell me how significant an influence you were in their lives.
Thank you for being such a positive influence in my life as well. Nothing that you have done has been wasted.
Until we meet again, I and others will pick up your torch and run with it.
Forever a Dan Fan.
Jeff Hagfors
Tom Small
October 20, 2023
Danny and I went back a whole bunch of years...we both have/had a great love for our families, cigars, Franklin planners, the Christian faith, golf, the Spartans, and we developed a great friendship and bond over the years. I feel privileged to have called him my friend, and fortunate to have him inspire me in many ways. Danny helped my kids and son in law to participate and excel in the Carnegie program. I know he was always doing more for others, and never expecting anything in return, but you could see it in his eyes that he was proud of his Carnegie family students/kids/mentees as he was proud of his own family. I will light up a good cigar (not those JR knock-offs Danny!) in your honor tonight and hope you are flying high and enjoying your new home in heaven...RIP my brother! godspeed;
Brittany Schwend
October 20, 2023
I had the great honor and privilege of meeting Professor Dan Hagfors in the Fall of 2019 when I took Marketing in Sales at Lansing Community College. Unlike any other professor though Dan was unique he always had us call him coach not professor. He was more than a professor he was the true definition of a coach someone who coached all of his students through the real world! He taught us that one’s name is the most valuable of all and when you remember someone’s name they will always be sure to smile. He taught us to remember his name by telling us his father was a hag with for sons - Hagfors. It is a name I will surely never forget!! He is the coach who encouraged us to write a letter of apology to someone we know and he even mailed those letters for us. I sent mine to my former boss and to this day we have talked again! Dan was a great man of faith I will never forget the day one of my classmates was struggling and before class began he asked me if I would pray with her and I did. This beautiful girls name was Zayvreanna and although she only went by Zay I will always remember her beautiful name because of Coach and all that he taught me! I will always remember all of the chats I had with coach and the popcorn treats he gave out during class for the stories we shared! Coach Hagfors you were a great coach and you taught me so much!! May your soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed through the mercies of God Rest In Peace. Amen. Sending my deepest sympathies to your family!
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Tami Lesczcynski
October 19, 2023
Though our friendship was short, Dan was a caring friend and I always looked forward to seeing him at football and basketball games. More importantly, he was such a good friend to my husband and his sons. He will be remembered with love.
Riley Agudelo
October 19, 2023
My prayers and condolences for the Hagfors family. Dan is missed and loved by all. He has shared his love with my family, uplifting us through his enthusiastic teaching! Forever grateful for Dan Hagfors ♥
Mark Eddy
October 19, 2023
I have had the honor of teaching the Dale Carnegie Course along with Dan for many years. More importantly is the friendship between he and I. There is much about Dan that I didn't know. But I know this... I am undoubtedly a better person, a better father a better teacher and a better leader having had this man as my friend and mentor.
Jim Bodine
October 18, 2023
I had the privilege of meeting Dan and his wonderful daughter, Erin, as a colleague. Although I only met Dan in person two times, he treated me fairly and was very personable. He gave me a chance, professionally, and was a man of his word. From speaking to others in our industry, it is very apparent that Dan treated everyone with respect. A true professional. My condolences to Erin and the rest of Dan's family.
Gregory Blake
October 17, 2023
Dan Hagfors was a great man. I am grateful to have known him. As a Dale Carnegie instructor he provided the exact guidance that I needed. Rest in Peace. My condolences to the family.
Karen Anderson
October 16, 2023
Condolences to Dan's family and all those who love him and called him friend, mentor, teacher, and Dad. Dan Hagfors has left a significant mark of hope and joy on the lives of every person who crossed his path. Dan gave outstanding guidance to his students, colleagues and his Dale Carnegie family. He gave direction, encouragement, and love to everyone he met. His earthly journey was too short. My heart aches for all who knew him. He will be missed. Thank you Dan for making a difference in so many lives. I know you are playing on the best golf course in Heaven and smoking a sweet cigar. Karen Anderson, DC graduate.
Samuel and Bethany Sierzega
October 14, 2023
We were so blessed to get to know Dan. He was a great guy and we’re glad he was able to make it to our wedding. We know he is ok rejoicing with the Lord❤
Mary Oliveti
October 14, 2023
The coolest of the cool! You will be missed. I praise the Lord because of your faith in Christ eternity is assured.
Elaine Steffek
October 14, 2023
Dan and I met at WFMK in the 1990s.
He was a genuinely positive person who rarely complained about anything.
We shared many lunches, discussions about the radio biz and trips to the casino.
I will always remember his love for Yacht Rock on satellite radio. Always so proud of his kids and never failed to share his latest photos of his grandson.
May he rest in peace. Much love and prayers to his family.
Sheri Greenhoe
October 13, 2023
Dan was always so positive, professional and genuinely kind. I extend my deepest sympathies to Dan’s entire family and his many friends.
October 13, 2023
Dan was a definitely a special, beautiful soul with a kind heart. I worked at an advertising agency in Saginaw when Dan was in radio, we had clients in Lansing, he was such a fun, friendly rep who kept in touch with me after I moved on from the agency world. (not many do that when the relationship doesn’t effect their paycheck) I will always remember his kindness and was honored to know him and call him my friend. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Kathy Ryder (Ball)
(Gibson Kelly & Hollis Marketing)
BOB SHULTZ
October 13, 2023
WE had and did some great gigs.
RIP my friend. BOB
Marilyn W
October 12, 2023
In 2013, Dan lead a group of hopefuls on a journey he knew could change each of their lives positively and forever. Dan and I had the Thing in common such that we both knew we were friends of Bill's....Thank you Dan, God's blessings on your journey home.
To Dan's family, my thoughts are with you as each travels the path of ups and downs that often follow the passing of someone loved dearly. The Best is yet to come.
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Funeral services provided by:
Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes- Holt Delhi Chapel5035 W. Holt Road, Holt, MI 48842