Thomas R. Hagen

Thomas R. Hagen, 85, of Rhinelander, passed away surrounded by love on January 22, 2026, in Woodruff. He was born on June 4, 1940, to Vern and Catherine (Alexander) Hagen and grew up next door to his cousins on Hwy. 17 South in Rhinelander where his lifelong connection to the land began.

At the age of 17 he started working as a Mason for Frank Loduha where he enjoyed many years of building and creating, most notably Crystal Rock Ballroom and Pleasure Island Theme Park where he would take his children to play on Sundays.

Tom married Patricia Wright in 1960, and together they had three daughters. Later in life, he met Sheree Seidler, and they welcomed a fourth daughter. A devoted family man, Tom set an example of true co-parenting with respect and commitment.

Living off the land was engraved into Tom during his childhood. A true lover of nature, he found joy in sharing his love of the outdoors with others including fishing and hunting of all sorts. Tom was an avid maple syrup maker. He and his father proudly hosted elementary school field trips, teaching students the art of “maple syruping.” He also generously shared his land with friends, welcoming them to bring their children and grandchildren to deer and duck hunt. 

Countless memories were made across multiple generations at the Hagen shack; a place of family, laughter, and lessons passed down. Two of the many moments that became part of shack lore were the day Tommy survived being struck by a ricochet bullet and his proudest hunting moment of bagging a 16-point buck, a story often retold with a grin. 

Tom was a legendary junk collector, with a knack for seeing value where others saw just stuff. His collections were proof that “you never know when you might need that” was a philosophy, not a suggestion and he could explain why every piece was worth keeping and where it came from. 

Those who carry Tom’s stories forward include his daughters: Tammy Hagen Ives, Brenda (Tom) Osterman, Lisa Hagen (Tony Dooley) and Felicia Hagen (Jason Weight); nine grandchildren: Ben Ives, Beth Ives, Bradley (Dana) Osterman, Valerie (Kyle) Leighton, Jacob (Heather) Hagen, Dylan (Mackenzie) Niemi, Brianna (Zach) Olds, Tyson Hagen and Oakley Weight; 11 great-grandchildren: Haley, Vayda, and Laila Ives; Owen Ives and Dawson Sachse, Calvin and Grant Osterman, Rhett and Royce Leighton, Liam and Maverick Hagen; bonus grandchildren: Tiana Roddy and Christopher Roddy; sisters: Patricia (Roger) Kuczmarski, and Catherine Hagen; brothers-in-law: Bob Ohlsson and Mike Oettinger and former wife, Patricia Roddy (Ron Hogue). Special friends who held a meaningful place in Tommy’s life include Joe Conlin and Jeff (Deb) Pritchard. 

He was greeted home by his parents, sisters: Mary Ohlsson, Jean Sneller, Ruth Oettinger, and Theresa Hagen; brothers: Charles and baby Peter; son-in-law: Michael Ives and friend Dean Roddy. 

Tom’s legacy lives on in the woods he cherished and the traditions he passed down. Though he has laid down his peppermints and maple taps, his spirit will be felt on quiet mornings and familiar trails.  

A celebration of life will be held outdoors at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.