Gary Paul "Mr. Zug" Hagen

1940 - 2018

BOZEMAN – Gary Paul Hagen, hot rod enthusiast, artist, Harley rider, hunter/fisherman and a man loved by all passed away Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at the young age of 77. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 55 years, three daughters, and family.

He was born in Great Falls, Montana at 11:40 p.m. on December 31, 1940 to Donald J. and Helen (Skovron) Hagen. He grew up in Great Falls and attended school at Ursuline Academy and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1959.

Gary served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Navy Reserves from 1959-1964 spending most of that time in Okinawa, Japan. He met one of his very best friends, Louie, and forever held a special place in his heart. You would often hear him playing "Louie Louie" by the Kingsman in his garage while building cars and painting signs. He was drawn to old time rock and roll.

Gary married the love of his life, Patsy Chipman, in Lewistown, Montana in 1963. They moved to Great Falls and raised three beautiful daughters. He blamed his balding and gray hair on his three girls. Gary was not only an amazing father to his daughters but an amazing father figure to so many others. He used his artistic talents and was a sign painter/graphic artist for Western Sign, Sign Engraving, Cat Graphics and finally Hagen Sign Art. He semi-retired from his painting business and went to work for Big Sky Harley Davidson where he lived his passion for motorcycles. Gary spent his free time painting and pinstriping cars, motorcycles, and anything in between. He could paint one hell of a flame job!

In 2005, Gary and Pat moved to Bozeman, Montana. He had a passion for the outdoors where he hunted and fished the Madison quite often. His creative ability opened a new path of work in construction and he started Gary Hagen Construction. He loved to work with his hands from building houses to building tiny model airplanes for his grandkids. His grandkids were the twinkle in his eye; he loved drawing pictures for them and even a fake tattoo. They will miss their Papa dearly. Gary also worked for Yellowstone Harley Davidson and National Coating and Supplies. Every person he met along his way, he considered a friend.

We will forever remember Gary's kind and loving spirit, his wonderful sense of humor, his beautiful smile, and his inspiration to others. Gary accepted everyone without judgement. He was a simple man. Patsy called him "her miracle man." Gary will be missed daily but his beautiful spirit will live on through his entire family and friends.

Gary is survived by his devoted wife, Patsy Hagen; brother Donald Hagen of Power; daughters Shelly (Mike) Brush of Bozeman, Krisy Landon (Rob Stainsby) of Great Falls, and Jodie (Ron) McQuiston of Bozeman; five grandchildren, Sophie, MaKylyn, Kade, Brock, and Novelle; one great-grandchild, Avery; and numerous other family members and friends.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, August 4, 2018 at O'Connor Memorial Chapel in Great Falls at 11 a.m. A celebration of life will follow at the North 40 Lounge at 1 p.m. in Great Falls.

"See you soon Papa"