Mark B. Hagen, entered Heaven on Wednesday morning, February 1, 2017. He was 51 years old. On January 12, 1966 he was the last of eleven children born to Bertrand G. and Helen A. (Nelessen) Hagen in Shawano, Wisconsin. He attended Lincoln School, Sacred Heart Catholic School and graduated from Shawano High School in 1984. On April 7, 1990, he married Alicia Schabow and together they had a son, Nathan.
To put on paper the tremendous impact Mark had on his family and friends would fill volumes, so it seems almost unjust to condense his life to a few simple lines. It is without exaggeration to say, from the age of two, he was off running, taking charge of his life. He had his first paying job by the age of ten. He lived life boldly and had a fantastic sense of humor. All who knew him can tell you a “laugh until you cry” experience with him. He worked hard and played hard.
Mark loved to hunt and fish. He and his circle of friends were more like brothers and this last hunting season will be more cherished and memorable because, although Mark’s body was ravaged and weakened by cancer, he still bagged two bucks. The friendship he shared with this group of men is uncommon and admired.
With honor and pride, he was part of the brotherhood of the Gresham Area Fire Fighters. He was most instrumental in the coordination and success of their concession stand at the Shawano County Fairgrounds. His “brothers” selflessly came to his aid to cut and split wood for heating his home, and also gave countless hours and generous monetary contributions to make the benefit which was held for Mark on December 3, 2016 a huge success. Unfortunately, he was unable to attend and could only be told stories of the outpouring of love and support from the brotherhood, the community, and the immense crowd that attended.
Survivors include his loving wife, Alicia; his son, Nathan (fiancé Emily Severinsen); his grandchildren, Natily and Oliver; his siblings, Lyle (Rose) Hagen, Phil and Kathy Hagen, Elaine and Kurt Schroeder, Rita and Glen Rancier, Rose Hagen, Clara Duebler, Phyl and Greg Peters, Jane and Mike Velie, and George (Sandra) Hagen; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gary and Judy Schabow; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Anne and Joe Boucher, and Gary and Amy Schabow; 9 nephews, 8 nieces, 5 great-nephews, and 9 great-nieces; and his uncle and aunt, Terry and Marj Hagen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bertrand and Helen Hagen; his sister, Marie Hagen; and his niece, Erin Schroeder.
A Funeral Mass for Mark B. Hagen will be celebrated on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 12:00 PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Fr. Luke Ferris will be the Celebrant. Interment will take place at a later date. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the hour of Mass. The family has requested that no plants or flowers be sent. A memorial fund will be established in Mark’s name.