John F. "Johnny" Hagen, 79, of Blair, died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, at Memorial Community Hospital in Blair.

The Celebration of Life Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014, at Roeder Mortuary, 2727 North 108th Street, in Omaha.

John Francis "Johnny" Hagen was born Jan. 20, 1935, in Omaha to Robert and Meda "Janet" Hagen. He was the youngest of eight children.

He graduated from Omaha Tech High School, then entered the work force. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and he spent his enlisted time in Europe, where he enjoyed seeing many famous places and taking photographs. After discharge, he worked for the railroad as a telegraph operator. Later, he was employed by Vickers, and finally in civil service at Offutt Air Force Base.

In April of 1961, he married Johanna "Jo" Kiesling in Suring, Wis. The couple had two children, Tamara "Tammy" Hughbanks and Michael "Mike" Hagen.

The couple enjoyed building and remodeling homes. He was a skilled craftsman and enjoyed working with his hands.

The couple enjoyed many vacations in Wisconsin where they visited Johanna’s family each summer. Mr. Hagen enjoyed large gatherings, including the weekly Saturday night dinners at his parents’ home when the kids were young, and annual Labor Day picnics with lifelong friends.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and will be missed by many people. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Johanna; his daughter, Tammy; two granddaughters; one great-granddaughter; sister Sally Armijo of Cypress, Calif.; many nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Michael Hagen; brothers: Ramon, Donald, Robert and Kenneth; and sisters: Marvel Kelley and Jean Ippish.

Published in Omaha World-Herald from Feb. 17 to Feb. 18, 2014

(Military Flag picture)

Hagen, John F.

Jan 20, 1935 - Feb 12, 2014

Preceded in death by parents; son, Michael; brothers, Robert, Ramon, Donald, and Kenneth; and sisters, Marvel Kelley and Jean Ippish. Survived by wife of 52 years, Johanna; daughter, Tammy Hughbanks; granddaughters, Rachel (Clay) Wakefield, and Jackie Hughbanks; great granddaughter, Zoe Jo Wakefield; sister, Sally Armijo; many nieces, nephews, sister- and brothers-in-law, and friends.

MEMORIAL SERVICE 10am Thursday, February 27, 2014, at Roeder Mortuary, 2727 N. 108th St. No Visitation. Military Honors by Benson VFW Post #2503. ROEDER MORTUARY - 108th St. Chapel 2727 North 108th St. 402-496-9000 www.RoederMortuary.com

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~