Jean Hagen

Jean E. Hagen, 105, of Waukon, IA, died Monday, September 8, 2025, at Prairie Maison in Prairie du Chien, WI. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 25th, at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church in Waukon with Rev. Grant VanderVelden officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may greet the family from 9:00 AM until the time of services Thursday at the church. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements. Memorials can be may to Veterans Memorial Hospital, First Presbyterian Church, and Missionary Ventures for Luther and Sandra Meier at 1017 Maitland Center Commons Blvd, Maitland, FL, 32751-7205.

Jean Elizabeth Hagen was born on May 1, 1920, to Russell and Vera (Hogarth) Raymond on a farm in Lucas County, IA. Her father was killed in a farming accident when Jean was a baby, so along with her mother and sister moved to Newton, IA, to live with the Raymond family. She attended school in Newton graduating from Newton High School in 1938. Jean submitted an essay and won a scholarship for a European tour from the Maytag corporation. Sailing across the ocean and visiting six different countries would be a fond memory she would share for the next 88 years.

Afterwards she attended Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls. Her education was interrupted by the death of her sister Dorothy from childbirth complications. Together with her mother she helped to raise her niece, Marilyn. They all moved to Waukon in 1942, where she began working as a secretary to the superintendent before marrying Walter Hagen on July 28, 1946, at First Presbyterian Church in Waukon.

Moving to the farm with Walter brought many new challenges for Jean as she had to quickly learn to cook for and feed hired men, and she always had coffee and a cookie or two ready. She held the farm together when Walter served in the Iowa State Legislature in 1960-1964, and was a strong supporter for him in all his conservation projects and leadership roles. Jean was an outstanding event planner, hosting many parties and picnics at the family pond which she helped design and develop. Hagen's Pond hosted school conservation day for over 25 years.

As a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, she served as an elder and deacon, a leader in the Women's organization, and representative to John Knox Presbytery. As an excellent pianist, she accompanied many soloists, including husband Walter and sang in the choir.

In their retirement years, Jean & Walter were snowbirds and traveled to Florida in the winter months. Jean enjoyed her social life with a group of friends called, "the gang", and loved playing bridge. She was a member of PEO and a lifelong member of Thursday Club, attending meetings up until this last year. Hobbies also included sewing and many crafts. She also loved her jewelry and never left the house without being accessorized. She boasted of remaining in good health in her later years, often saying she was, "Excellent."

Survivors include son, Russell (Barbara) Hagen of Waterville, IA; a daughter Sandra (Luther) Meier of Lytham St. Annes, England; three grandchildren: Joel (Kathilene) Hagen of Maquoketa, IA, Sarah Hagen of Waterville, and Rachael (Grant) Furgiuele of Farmington, MN; four great grand-children: Daniel, Annabelle, and Gwendolyn Hagen, and Noah Furgiuele; niece Marilyn (Robert) Wills of Los Osos, CA; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Walter in 2005; her parents; and a sister Dorothy.

Honorary casketbearers are the Thursday Club. Casketbearers are Joel, Daniel, Erik, Michael, and Nolan Hagen, and Grant Furgiuele.

Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.

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