Michael J. Hager

Michael "Mike" Joseph Hager, age 41, passed away unexpectedly on April 7, 2025, at his home in Grand Rapids, MN from heart disease.
Mike was born on November 30, 1983, to Alex and Fran Hager, as the youngest of the family. Mike grew up on the family farm near Michigan, ND and loved following his older siblings and cousins around in all the antics that took place there. Mike graduated from Dakota Prairie High School in 2002. He enjoyed playing sports, especially baseball. Mike attended Valley City State University where he was an accomplished baseball pitcher and enjoyed coaching and mentoring young athletes. He graduated from the University of North Dakota and moved to Colorado where he began his career in early childhood education and met the love of his life, Brooke. Mike earned his master's degree in early childhood education and began his career with Head Start just before the birth of their beautiful baby girl, Anika, in 2015. In 2020 the family moved to Grand Rapids, MN where they developed wonderful friendships and enjoyed being much closer to Mike's family located in North Dakota. Mike continued to follow his passion for Head Start. He cared deeply about providing the best possible start for families most in need. Mike was an avid runner, completing several Ultra Marathons. He enjoyed the outdoors of Minnesota going running, fishing and hunting as often as he could and even snagging his first bear in 2024. Mike had an amazing sense of humor and a kind heart.
He is survived by his wife, Brooke; daughter, Anika; parents, Alex and Fran Hager; siblings, Karen Jorstad and Chad Hager; and several nieces, cousins, aunts, and uncle.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Anna and Abraham Hager; uncle, Omer Hager; aunts, and mother-in-law, Patricia Sailsbery.
A memorial service will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 2pm at the Lakota Community Center, Lakota, ND with a visitation one hour prior. Burial at Michigan Cemetery, Michigan, ND will follow.
A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, with a visitation at 10:30am and a service at 11:00 am at Grand Rapids Alliance Church, Grand Rapids, MN.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St Joseph's Parent 2 Parent 2808 S Washington St. Englewood, CO 80113. Parent 2 Parent provides support to families in the Saint Joseph's Hospital Denver NICU, where Anika spent the first 6 weeks of her life.
Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.