Jeff Hageman
September 26, 1955 ~ July 22, 2011
Jeff Anthony Hageman, age 55 of Fredericksburg, Iowa, formerly of Fort Atkinson, died Friday, July 22, 2011, at his home of natural causes.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday July 25, 2011, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, with Pastor Ronnie Koch officiating. Janiece Kramer will be the organist accompanying the congregation singing, 'Amazing Grace', 'On Eagles Wings' and 'How Great Thou Art'.
Interment will be in St. John's Cemetery, Fort Atkinson with Edward Ebert, Adam Ebert, Dean Lansing, Craig Steege, Robert Burns, Jason Connor, Andrew Ebert and Matt Gardner as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Harvey Guenther and Lisa and Wayne Gilster.
Friends may greet the family 4-8 p.m. Sunday at the Hugeback & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Fredericksburg . Further visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Online condolences for Jeff’s family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com
Jeff Anthony Hageman was born September 26, 1955, in Decorah, Iowa the son of Clarence and Elsie (Geling) Hageman. He was raised with four sisters in Fort Atkinson, by committed and loving parents.
Jeff was a 1974 graduate of the special education program in the Fredericksburg School District. While still in school and after graduation, he was employed by Ott and Forsman. Over the years, Jeff held several places of employment in Fredericksburg, including Beatrice Foods, Farmers’ Butter and Dairy, Con Agra, and Aveka. All of which he was very proud and eager to work.
Many people in the area learned to know Jeff either through work, athletic events, social events, or church. If there was an event in town, Jeff was there. He liked to talk (about sports) a lot and go dancing. He even tried his voice at Karaoke.
Jeff enjoyed area high school sports as well as professional sports on television. Perhaps Jeff was the best Fredericksburg Falcon’s sports fan ever. He enjoyed talking to the “youth” as he would call them, “gotta keep up with the youth” he would say. Jeff had many caring friends and neighbors, who would watch out for him and at times give him a ride to an event or sports activity. He and his family were thankful for these kind deeds.
Jeff is survived by his four sisters, Jean (Ed) Ebert of Waverly, Ann (Craig) Steege of Crystal Lake, IL, Gail (Dean) Lansing of Waukon and Lisa (Wayne) Gilster of Cresco; ten nieces and nephews, Adam and Andy Ebert, Jenna and Eden Steege, Julie Gardner, Katie Lansing, Jessa Burns, Liza Connor, Crystal and Joshua Rauk; ten great-nieces and nephews; three aunts, Cornelia Bina of Spillville, Cyrilla Krivacek of Fort Atkinson and Leona Gerleman of Ossian; also many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Julie in infancy; paternal grandparents, John (Fred) and Mary Hagemann of Fort Atkinson; maternal grandparents, Frank and Elizabeth Geling of Ossian.
Dear Lisa and family, Having heard you talk so dearly of your brother through the years we have known each other, I knew he was a special loving person. Reading many of the sentiments I also learned he loved to dance and loved supporting young people in sports. He touched many lives even those of his co-workers. A phrase comes to mind, ‘Life is a dance, enjoy!’ It seems as if your brother knew how to enjoy life. We should all take a lesson from him. Love, Bev
Dear Jean, Ann, Gail, Lisa and families. We want to extend our sympathy to and our prayers for all of you for the loss of your brother, Jeff, and my cousin. Jeff obviously grew up to be a fine man who will be missed by all of you, us, and many others. It is wonderful that he had developed so many friendships through his caring spirit, love for, and loyalty to the people of and the town of Fredericksburg. May Jeff rest in peace and may all of you cherish your fond memories. He has now joined your Mother, Dad and little Sister in Heaven. God Bless Us All!
To the family of Jeff Hageman, Sorry to hear of Jeffs sudden death but you can have all the memories of his life. He was a neat person and very special. I remember visiting with your family in Fort. You are all in our prayers. Sandy Matt Lillian and Adrian Hagemans daughter
Jeff was indeed very special to many and will remain in our hearts. I know he taught me a few things just by being himself. I was very lucky to have grown up around him and see him grow to be the man he was.
Dear Jean and Ed, I am sorry to hear about Jeff’s death. It sounds as though he touched many lives. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. In love and friendship, Linda
Jean, Ann, Gail and Lisa – We didn’t know Jeff was in Fredericksburg until we became the S-F Cougars. He had a chance to watch our son Matt compete as a senior, but will miss our son Cole’s senior year as a Cougar. We would visit off and on at athletic events. The last time I saw Jeff was in May at the Cougar Relays in Fredericksburg. It was pouring. I told him I was there because I was a parent. He told me he was there because he enjoyed watching the kids compete. You have my family’s sympathy and that of my siblings.
Jeff was a great neighbor and always had time to stop and visit if we were outside. Our deepest sympathy to all of the families. Loved to hear him talk about games, dances, he enjoyed getting out and doing things. Our prayers are with you all.
Jeff=smiles galore, bicycle, hellos, sports, church, more smiles-Jesus has gained a great friend this day-mom would have said more-Connie, Deb, Pat, Sheryl, Diana
Dear Lisa and Jeff’s entire family, I just have to tell you how many times Jeff made a difference in people’s lives. Growing up around Fort Atkinson, I was closest in age to Lisa, but I always enjoyed seeing Jeff in Huber’s. He knew all of my siblings and myself by name and always had a kind word to say. Through the years I saw him and sat by him at Turkey Valley sports or saw him when we played the Falcons or Cougars. It made my night to touch base and know that he was doing well. You have an angel now, but I’m sure your hearts are hurting too. My prayers are with each of you. God bless you and God bless Jeff. What a great guy he was. God’s pretty lucky to have him keeping track of things ‘upstairs’ now.
Jean and family: I am sorry to learn of the passing of your brother Jeff. Please know the thoughts and prayers of your friends are with you at this time. May God grant all of you peace in the days ahead.
I was so sad to hear of Jeff’s paasing. Like all the others, Jeff was our biggest supporter when I played sports at F’Burg in the 70’s. He was a great friend to everyone, had a great sense of humor, and a memory as strong as anyone I have ever met. Even being gone from Fredericksburg for over 30 years, in recent visits for weddings and funerals, Jeff was always there, always the same friendly face, and remembering events and games long past. He was a great friend to so many people, and will be sorely missed.
Jean & Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jeff was truely blessed to have such a supportive family & community to live & work in. I always enjoyed working with Jeff because he was so dedicated and wanted to do his best. Thinking of you all in thoughts & prayers.
Jeff will truly be missed in Fredericksburg! He was truly one of a kind. Whenever I was back visiting, he would always stop by my Dad’s house to say Hi and chat for awhile and we would always end up talking about a basketball game that I played in and he knew how I did and what the score was. He always amazed me with his athletic stats!! He never had a bad word to say about anyone. He took great pride living in Fredericksburg. My deepest sympathy to his family. Tracy, Rick, Zach and Layne Carpenter-Klemp
Jeff will be missed by all those he touched within our community. He had a friendly laugh, a big heart, and a kind soul. God Bless Him! Mick & Theresa
Jeff was a great follower of our kids Turkey Valley Basketball. We enjoyed visiting with him at the games and the kids enjoyed his support and attendance at their graduation parties. Jeff will be greatly missed. The Bakula’s
Jeff will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. He always had a smile and good word for everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dean & Judy Speicher
To the family of Jeff, I myself will miss Jeff deeply. When I was QB for the Falcons I did not want to play that postion he told me after the game keep trying you will get better ! he said at least you get to play ! I have remembered that nite ever since and I will never forget ! GOD BLESS YOU JEFF ! MIchael bootleg quarterback Ball
Jeff was a great guy! He was always willing to visit and was a great supporter of events in Fredericksburg. He will be missed! You’re in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
I express my deepest sympathy to Jeff’s family. I wish I could be there as I was just in the Decorah area and heard about his passing shortly before I left. I remember his smiling face and remember all the times just being able to sit and chat. Jeff will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to Jeff’s family. RIP my dear cousin Jeff! I will miss you!
My family and I wish to send our heartfelt condolences to Jeff’s family, Jean Ebert and her family for the loss of him. Our thoughts and prayers for all of you as you remember fond memories of Jeff and miss his companionship. Denny Ford and Family
Dear Jean and Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I didn’t know Jeff but it sounds like he lived life to the fullest.
I’m so sorry to hear of Jeffs passing , he was a friend to so many young people . I will miss his Christmas card this year , the first one I have recieved each year, from him for the last 30 years. Rest in peace gentle soul Jeff.
i remember jeff from working at the creamery with him and seeing him at sporting events. seems like he never missed one. last time we talked when i was at home visiting my family in fredericksburg. my brothers brad and steve and i and our wives had quite a conversation with him. and of course he had his trusty companion…..his bicycle with him. i am sure he will be missed but not forgotten by all.
We would like to thank Jeff for adopting Fredericksburg as his hometown. He was a hard worker, loyal fan and most of all, a great citizen. He was very proud of where he lived and showed it every day of his life. Our greatest memories of Jeff were working with him and seeing him at all the sporting events. We will miss seeing his smiling face, but we know that his presence will always be with us. God bless his family and thanks for sharing this special person with us. Klel, Lynne, Todd & Trevor Harris
A more loyal supporter of Fredericksburg athletics you will never find. Jeff will be misssed by many in the Fredericksburg and surrounding communities. He loved being around people and having a good time especially at local dances. He couldn’t wait to pull out his little book to show me who he had danced with and was always quick with an unmistakable laugh A score he would never forget and he would always remind me that the team played well win or lose. God bless you Jeff for all the great things you brought to our community and the lives of so many that you touched. Rest in Peace Coach Steve Staker
It didn’t matter who you were, Jeff always remembered your name and face no matter how long it had been since you lived in Fredericksburg. He loved the ‘Burg’ and he loved his friends and co-workers from his previous jobs. When Jeff laughed you couldn’t help but join in because his laugh was contagious. It was very tough on him when the Catholic Church closed in Fredericksburg. He loved his church. He was a true Falcon supporter and it didn’t matter if they were winning or losing. He was there to cheer them on either way. He was carefree, happy, and a very simple man. We could all stand to learn something from him and the way he lived life. Fredericksburg has lost a valuable supporter.
No matter what sports event it was Jeff was always there if he could be. He was always so conscientious about his work and felt bad when he was no longer working. Will miss seeing him around town. Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Jean and family, Our deep and sincere sympathies to each of you. Jeff was a great guy and brother to you Jean– when you spoke of him- your love for him shone brightly. May you be held in the true comfort of God’s almighty arms especially now and always. Remembering you in our thoughts and prayers. Hope to see you Sunday.
We are sorry for you loss. Jeff was a great guy and true sports enthusiast! Especially the local Cougars! We took him to some of the activities and he was always so polite. We also got to know him better as he was going to our church the last several years. He will be missed.
Jeff will be missed by all of Fredericksburg. He always spoke to you and smiled. Dances and events won’t be the same. God Bless you at this difficult time. Tod, Dena, and Zachary Palmer
Jeff was a great guy..always enjoyed talking with him. He will be missed at all the sports activities and all the people in Fredericksburg. Our Sympathy, Roger & Margo Pleggenkuhle
Jean and family: I remember going to high school with Jeff. After I moved back to town, he was very friendly any time of day I would see him downtown. My prayers are with you during this sad time. Jane Melugin (‘Pearl’) Brooks