Obit: Hagen, Guy B. (1920– 2010)

Contact: Dolores

Surnames: Hagen, Sagen, Linnell, Embretson, Quick, Johnson, Green, Northup, Tweed, Eddy, Kaplinski,

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) February 3, 2010

Hagen, Guy B. (14 August 1920 – 28 January 2010) With Flag

Guy B. Hagen, 89, of Black River Falls and formerly of Hixton died Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, at Black River Memorial Hospital, Black River Falls.

Guy was born Aug. 14, 1920, in Northfield Township, Jackson County, to parents Bennett and Ella (Sagen) Hagen.  He graduated from Hixton High School and entered the U. S. Army in 1938, serving for over 23 years and reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel. During his years of service, he was promoted to base commander.  He served in Lebanon, IN; Fort Benning, GA; Fort Sill, OK; Danville, IL; and Fort Leonard Wood, MO, as well as in Japan and Germany.

During World War II, while serving in the European Theatre, Guy was part of the 443^rd “Lost Battalion” that was trapped behind enemy lines without food or water and little ammunition.  The battalion held out for seven days before being rescued by the 442^nd Combat Team.

Guy was married to Phyllis M. Linnell March 16, 1943, in Hixton.  They moved to Hixton in 1963, where Guy was employed as branch manager of the Jackson County Bank – Hixton Branch.  In 1986, Guy and Phyllis moved to Black River Falls. Phyllis preceded him in death Dec. 13, 1996.

Guy was very active in church and community activities.  He was a member of the church council of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, and he also served as clerk and president of the Hixton Village Board.  He was also a member of the Hixton Volunteer Fire Department.

Guy greatly enjoyed participating in family activities.  He was an avid golfer and member of the Skyline Golf Club and also enjoyed trout fishing and playing cribbage.  He was a great fan of all Black River Falls sporting events, and in his honor his name was inscribed on a bleacher in the high school gymnasium.  He enjoyed forecasting the weather, traveling to Florida for the winter and attending military reunions.  He will also be remembered for his ability to be punctual for all occasions.

Guy is survived by two daughters, Cheryl (Charles) Embretson of Black River Falls and Jeanne (Jon) Quick of Black River Falls; one brother, Oswald “Bud” Hagen of Black River Falls; four grandchildren, Teresa (Rory) Johnson, Michelle (Chad) Green, Jason Quick and Ryan Quick; five great-grandchildren, Ellie, Bennett, Jace, Logan and Lucas; besides many other relatives and friends. 

In addition to his wife, Phyllis, Guy was preceded in death by two infant grandchildren; his brother, Wendell; and two sisters, Alta Northup and Elaine Tweed.

Funeral services for Guy B. Hagen were held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Hixton, with Reverend John Kaplinski officiating.  Burial with military tires by the Hanson-Lien American Legion Post #368 took place in Riverside Cemetery, Black River Falls.  Friends called Sunday from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the church in Hixton.

Casketbearers were: Randy Eddy, Charles Embretson, Chad Green, Rory Johnson, Jason and Ryan Quick.

Memorials may be directed to the Skyline Youth Golf Program.

The Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home, Hixton, assisted the family.