Eugene Hager

Eugene Hager passed away at his home near Ottertail, MN on Thursday, April 18, 2024. Gene was born on July 13, 1946 and grew up on the family farm near Barney, ND. He was the first born of Bernard and Irene (Johnson) Hager.

On October 26, 1974, Gene and Patricia Long, Berlin, ND, were united in marriage. Gene spent the majority his life farming with his two brothers, LeRoy and David, near Barney. In 2000, Gene and Pat moved to Washburn, ND where they started a new adventure in the form of a craft and antique store. After selling the store they bought a small farm, went fishing, and enjoyed the next twenty years.

If you had the pleasure of getting to know Gene, you'd soon learn that what you see is what you get. Gene was kind to all who crossed his path, honest, had a great sense of humor and his ready smile won him many friends. Gene was barely 24 when suddenly he was the male head of the family. But as was Gene's nature, he led his four siblings and mother with a steady hand through the tragic loss of their father, and husband Bernard. Gene was blessed to have a spouse that he could depend on and loved with all his heart. Gene's favorite pastime, besides giving Pat a hard time, was restoring and collecting vintage tractors. Gene's passion for life and ready smile were with him throughout his life, even when the end was near his smile warmed a room. "Rest In Peace My Good and Faithful Servant."

Gene leaves behind his wife of almost 50 years, Patricia of Ottertail; sons Anthony (Marissa) of Algona, IA and Matthew of Fargo, ND; Gene's beloved grandson Braxton Eugene; his mother Irene Hager of Barney; brothers LeRoy (Jackie) Hager of Battle Lake, MN and David Hager of Barney; sisters Sharon (Joel) Dotzenrod of Battle Lake and Paula (John) Grettum of West Fargo, ND; his mother-in-law Christina Long of Berlin; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his father Bernie.

Gene's family is incredibly grateful for the care given by Knute Nelson Hospice.

Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23 at St. John's Catholic Church in Wyndmere, ND. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com