Jerome Harland Hagen

Jerome Hagen, age 86, of Benson, Minnesota, died Sunday, November 2, 2025, at CentraCare – Benson in Benson, Minnesota. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 7, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Benson, Minnesota. Visitation will continue from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 8, 2025 at the church, with a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Memorials preferred to Parkinson's Research. Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with arrangements. zniewskifuneralhome.com

Jerome “Jerry” Harland Hagen was born on November 2, 1939, in Benson, Minnesota, to proud parents Albert and Myrtle (Ellingson) Hagen. He was baptized on January 14, 1940, and confirmed on June 20, 1954, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson. Jerry grew up in Benson, graduated from Benson High School with the class of 1959, and spent his working life dedicated to the agriculture/manufacturing industry at TCI (Tyler Industries), where he proudly served as Plant Manager for 40 years. He was known as a steady leader, a patient teacher, and someone who always led with integrity and kindness.

Jerry married Jacqueline McCarthy on October 14, 1961, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson. Together, they raised four children: Scott, Kimberly “CoCo,” Holly, and Roxanne. They shared many years operating JJ Lanes Bowling Alley, traveling, and spending summers on Pelican Lake. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in October of 1986. Jackie passed away on December 11, 1986.

Jerry later married Patricia “Pat” Larson on November 25, 1988, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson. Jerry and Pat were married for 37 years, building a partnership grounded in friendship, loyalty, and gentle love. They loved traveling and adventuring together, especially on Rustad Bus Tours across the country. They visited Arizona for 15 years, where they golfed as much as they could, visited with neighbors, enjoyed the warm desert sun, and never missed a chance to brag about their grandkids.

Jerry’s hobbies reflected the way he lived: simple, joyful, and full of purpose. He loved to hunt and fish, bowl, play golf, and craft beautiful things in his woodshop. He had a soft spot for a good joke, a well-made piece of woodwork, a clean golf swing, and a house full of family. More than anything, Jerry loved being a dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa. He never missed a game, concert, or milestone if he could help it. Time with his family around a bonfire, at the lake, on the golf course, or around the kitchen table was what he treasured most.

On Sunday, November 2, 2025, his 86th birthday, Jerry was called from this life at CentraCare Health – Benson Hospital. True to the way he lived, he finished his race with dignity, surrounded by love, on the same day his life began.

He is survived by his wife, Pat Hagen; children: Kimberly “CoCo” Hagen, Roxanne (Rick) Wrobleski, Todd (Laura) Larson, Amy (Jerome) Kent, Jill (Jason) Doscher; daughter-in-law Kelly Hagen; grandchildren: Jordon (Brittany) Hagen, Brody (Tasha) Hagen, Aaron (Heidi) Hagen, Brennan (Brennan) Kent, Brittany (Jake) Wrobleski, Brandi (Nathan) Mast, Kayla (Brad) Piper, Jacob (Tanika) Kent, Grant (Eva) Larson, Garrett (Kathryn Goos) Larson, Gabrielle (Forrest) Fetterrer, Payten (Justin) Anderson, Addison (Sophia) Doscher, Zoe Doscher; 20 great-grandchildren; siblings: Lillian Molden, Connie (Paul) Flaten, Teresa Johnson, Sally (Vern) Bierbaum, Ronald (Pat) Hagen, Lonnie (Sharon) Hagen, and Julie (Paul) Anderson; sisters-in-law LoAnn Hagen and Paulette Hagen; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Preceding Jerry in death were his son Scott Hagen, daughter Holly Hagen, parents Albert and Myrtle Hagen, brothers: Albert, Jr. “Sonny,” Tom, Pete, and Marlow, sisters Barb Quinn and Alvina Amundson, and sister-in-law Karri Hagen.