Gary F. Hagen, age 72, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025.
Born January 30, 1953, in Kenosha to Harley and LaVerne (Fishback) Hagen. Gary attended Kenosha schools, graduating from Tremper High School in 1971. Gary began working for American Motors as a line worker. Following a series of layoffs, he attended Carthage College, graduating with a degree in 1991. He worked in accounting services in Deerfield, IL until 1998, when he was called back to Chrysler Engine Plant, where he worked until retiring in 2008.
Husband to Joy (Weyrauch) Hagen for 50 years and father to Jennifer (Hagen) Beam, Christie (Hagen) Steinberg, and Katy (Hagen) Hoff. Sports were his lifelong passion, specifically, the Milwaukee Braves, then the Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Green Bay Packers, and Wisconsin Badgers. As a child, he played Little League, and as a young adult, he played shortstop in many softball leagues. He shared his love of sports with his children and grandchildren by sharing the rules of the game, coaching how to hit home runs in the backyard, and going to Brewers and Bucks games. He also took great pride in how many free throws he could shoot. He was known for his sarcastic sense of humor and fierce loyalty to his family. Gary took great pride in raising his three daughters to be strong, intelligent women. Gary quit smoking in 2006 and became extremely passionate about helping others quit. He led the Calling It Quits smoking cessation program in Kenosha, partnering with the hospital systems and the Kenosha Public Library to hold the classes.
He is survived by his wife, Joy; children Jennifer (Clint), Christie (Adam), and Katy (Kyle); and grandchildren Henry, Sam, Ace, and Lily. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings David and Barbara, and grandson Maverick.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, October 21st, 4-6 pm at Founder’s Hall, Kemper Center, 6501 3rd Ave, Kenosha. As this is a celebration, please wear any Wisconsin sports apparel to share Gary’s love of sports. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MACC Fund (maccfund.org/donations) a foundation Gary was passionate about, in his name.
Gary will be deeply missed by his family and friends, especially his daughters.
