Joseph J. Hagen
- Visitation Dates and Times
Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 8:00 – 10:45 a.m.
- Visitation Location
St. Augustine Catholic Church ~ Breese
- Service Date
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
- Service Time
11:00 a.m.
- Service Location
St. Augustine Catholic Church ~ Breese
- Full Obituary
Joseph J. Hagen, age 92, of Breese, passed away peacefully Friday, January 3, 2025, at Cedarhurst of Breese surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 13, 1932, in Germantown, a son of the late Henry and Cecilia (nee Huelsmann) Hagen.
Joe married Patricia Hagen (nee Korte) on September 10, 1956, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Trenton and she survives in Breese. In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by his daughters, Deb (significant other, Ron Haws) Engelmann of Harlingen, TX, Becky (Marvin) Rickhoff of Bartelso, and Bonnie (John) Schnieder of Breese; grandchildren, Jeff (Ashleigh) Engelmann, Justin (Karen) Engelmann, Amanda (Kyle) Thole, Riley (Nadine) Rickhoff, Hayley (Jacob) Schuetz, and Gabi (Seth) Haake; great-grandchildren, Mackenzye, Colton, Lucas, Caleb, and Briella Engelmann, Marlee and Heidi Engelmann, Sophia and Emma Thole, Trey Rickhoff, Margarete Schuetz, and Toby Haake; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Marilyn Hagen of Breese, Mary Jane Korte of Albers, Mary Lue (Lloyd) Rapien of Trenton, and Nora “Babe” Abernathy of Arvada, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to Joe’s parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Marie (Charles) Huster, Rosalie Mitchell, Sr. Jerome Hagen PHJC, Sr. Bernadette Hagen PHJC, Robert (Emma) Hagen, Augustine Hagen, Monica (Richard) Saracino, and Jerome Hagen; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Louis and Noretta (nee Wehrle) Korte; and brothers-in-law, Louis “Bud” Korte and Phil Abernathy.
Joseph was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving during the Korean Conflict where he was awarded the Purple Heart for his service and sacrifice. Following his military service, Joe worked as a cook at Scott Airforce Base and retired in 1988.
A devoted member of his community, Joseph was involved in numerous organizations. He was a faithful member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and the Men’s Sodality in Breese, where he served as a Funeral Server and Eucharistic Minister. Joe was also active in the Breese American Legion Post 252, where he held various positions, including current Chaplain, past Commander, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant at Arms, and drill team member. He was a member of the Purple Heart League, Trenton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7983, Lincoln Land Leathernecks Detachment 1174 in Greenville, Breese Knights of Columbus Council 2869, and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary. Additionally, Joe served as a past Mater Dei Catholic High School Board Member.
Outside of his community involvement, Joe enjoyed golfing, gardening, and watching sports and was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan. He was a shining example of positivity, service, commitment, and above all, showed love and kindness to his friends and family.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Breese with Fr. Chuck Tuttle presiding and Deacon Jay Fowler assisting. Interment will be at a later date at St. Dominic-St. Augustine Cemetery with full military honors accorded.
Visitation will be Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 8:00 – 10:45 a.m. at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Breese.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to St. Augustine Parish, Breese American Legion Post 252, or Mater Dei Catholic High School and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N. 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
