Pastor John Hagen

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Pastor John Hagen, 88, of Faribault MN, died peacefully at Pleasant Manor on September 25, 2021.

John Holte Hagen was born in 1933 in Crookston Minnesota to George and Evelyn Hagen. He grew up as the oldest of five children on a farm with an old caboose as his playhouse. His family moved to Tokyo after WWII where he graduated from the American High School in Japan. John returned to the US and graduated from St Olaf College in 1956. Later he graduated from George Washington University with a law degree, then worked for the federal government in that capacity.

In 1959 he met Diane Reinertson at a Luther Place event in Washington D.C. When she returned to college in Ohio, he wooed her by writing humorous letters. They married in December 1961 and would have celebrated their 60th anniversary this year. As Diane completed her degree at Capital University, John moved to Ohio to attend Trinity Lutheran seminary. After the births of son Mark and daughter Kristin, John and his family moved to Edinburgh, Scotland where he did post-graduate studies and was interim pastor at a Scottish Presbyterian church.

The family moved back to the USA and to Minnesota in 1973 where for 19 years John served as pastor at Gol Lutheran Church in Kenyon, and Grace Lutheran Church in Nerstrand. While living in Kenyon, John was active in community theater, the Lions Club and hosted AFS foreign exchange students. John and Diane moved to Faribault MN in 1992 where John worked as an interim pastor at numerous congregations around Southern Minnesota for over 15 years. John and Diane became active members at First English Lutheran Church, continued participating in local theater, and became enthusiastic members of the community.

Known for his hearty and infectious laugh and gentle kindness, John had a true generosity of spirit. Not only was he open-minded and accepting of all people no matter their differences but devoted much of his time in service to others. His volunteer projects included working with refugees from many countries, including Vietnam and Sudan and having fun with participants in Diane’s social group for residents of group homes.

Asked to play Santa Claus so many times due to his strong resemblance and rapport with jolly old Saint Nick, John purchased his own costume to make appearances for friends and neighbors, performing at community events, and for children of inmates at the Shakopee women’s prison. It was the perfect role for John because he loved interacting with children and spreading goodwill.

No one more loved reading and collecting books more than John, and he was rarely seen without a book in hand. He had an interest in genres ranging from theology and history to science fiction and romance. His collection filled several rooms of the parsonage. John volunteered at the Talking Book Library, reading books and periodicals to create recordings for the blind.

Due to his wide range of interests and decades of reading and watching news and sports, John knew facts of all types and was unbeatable at trivia. John loved to debate. He had strong opinions and many ideas but was just as happy to learn about other people’s opinions and ideas. He was fascinated by gadgets of all kinds and intrigued by technology. He especially loved animals and had dogs and cats as pets.

A lover of travel throughout his life, John, Diane and their kids crisscrossed the country on long road trips to visit friends and family—though John was somewhat notorious for not always paying close attention to the gas gauge. John and Diane also enjoyed international travel to Norway and other parts of Europe, the Holy Land, Egypt, China, Japan, and visited their son and family in Tbilisi Georgia (the other Georgia).

In more recent years as his mobility and eyesight decreased, John continued to find pleasure in life, and enjoyed a good conversation with friends and family.
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John is survived by his wife Diane Hagen, his son Mark Rein-Hagen and wife Tamar (Piso), his daughter Kristin and husband Paul Newsome, and his grandchildren Marjorie and Peter Newsome, Giselle, Alexandre (Sandro), and Vivian Rein-Hagen; brother Gordon Hagen and wife Roberta; Sisters-in-law Sandra Hagen, Barbara Reinertson and husband Spencer Chen, and Diane Reinertson; Nieces Kendra Hagen and Anna Reinertson and Nephews Kai Hagen and wife Kirsten Waller and Kelwin Hagen and wife Kelli; and almost-grandchildren Danika, Kailey, Taryn, Tessa, and Tanner Longshore and their parents Julie and Joe Longshore.

John is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bruce and Alan Hagen and sisters Gail and Kay Hagen, brother-in-law Craig Reinertson, and niece Shaula Hagen.

Visitation will be held at Boldt Funeral Home in Faribault on Friday October 15th from 4:00-6:00 p.m. A celebration of John’s life will be held on October 16th at First English Lutheran Church in Faribault at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. Due to John’s love of bright colors, guests are encouraged to wear colors in their clothing and/or their masks.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lutheran World Relief, First English Lutheran Church, or the Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault MN.