Leon Hageman

     Leon Hageman, age 81, of rural Decorah, IA, died on Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN.      Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 14, 2014, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, 307 West Main Street, Decorah, IA, with Rev. Phillip Gibbs presiding. Burial will be in St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery in Calmar.      Friends may call from 2:00-6:00 p.m., on Sunday, July 13, 2014, at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Avenue, Decorah, IA, and also after 9:30 a.m., at the church on Monday morning.        Leon Francis Hageman was born on January 23, 1933, the son of Ignatius and Elizabeth (Kuennen) Hageman on the Hageman family farm near Calmar, IA. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Aloysius Catholic Church and attended St. Aloysius Catholic School. He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict from March 24, 1955 to Dec. 23, 1956. He was united in marriage to Jean Gebel on Nov. 5, 1956 in Lawler, IA, together they had eight children, and they later divorced. Leon was a lifelong farmer and a steward of the land. He was active in the NFO and enjoyed watching Market to Market. He enjoyed watching his family grow, participate in family gatherings, as well as seeing his old Army buddies at annual gatherings. He liked to listen to old time music, read, and give candy to the grandchildren. He also helped the Amish by giving them rides when needed. Leon was a member of St. Benedict Catholic Church, where he distributed communion to nursing homes and assisted living. Leon was also a member of the Joseph B. Lund American Legion Post #299 in Mabel, MN.      Leon is survived by his eight children: Ricky “Rick” Hageman, Decorah, IA; Donna (Eugene) Underbakke, Cresco, IA; Sandra “Sandy” Hageman, Rochester, MN; Craig Hageman, Streamwood, IL; Wayne (Lynn) Hageman, Decorah, IA; Gerald “Jerry” (friend, Shelly Sutton) Hageman, Cresco, IA; Norman (Cindy) Hageman, Dallas, TX; and John (Melody) Hageman, Altoona, IA. His former wife: Jean Hageman, Decorah, IA. Grandchildren: Randy Hageman, Russell Hageman, Lyndee Underbakke, Rachael (Jason McKenna) Underbakke, Lars (Amy) Underbakke, Miranda Kuennen, Brandon Kuennen, (special friend, Erin Whelan), Grant Hageman, Blake Hageman, Clark Hageman, Nicholas Hageman, Caitlyn Hageman, Chaz (Rachel) Puffer, Dallas Puffer, Gavin Puffer, Evan Hageman, Ryan Hageman, Jesseca Hageman, Jonathan Hageman, Emma Hageman and Jackson Hageman. Great grandchildren: Jake, Gable & Kirk Underbakke, Courtney, Marissa & Riley McKenna. Five sisters: Bernice Hackman of West Union, IA; Dorothy (Elmer) Schmitt, Ft. Atkinson, IA; Mary (Melvin) Rausch, Ft. Atkinson, IA; Theresa (Bob) Cunitz, Norwalk, WI; and Alma (Peter) Meyer, Calmar, IA. Two brothers: LaVerne (Alice) Hageman, Ft. Atkinson, IA, and Alfred (Louise) Hageman, Cedar Rapids, IA. One sister-in-law: Joan Schissel, Decorah, IA.      Leon was preceded in death by his parents: Ignatius on June 1, 1990 and Elizabeth on May 11, 2007, one brother: Urban in 1965, nephew: Kirk Hageman, niece: Lori Rausch Milbrandt, brothers-in-law: Alvin Hackman and Lee Schissel.