Obituaries : Vernon R. Hagan

Vernon R. Hagan, 90, of Cedar Rapids passed away on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at St. Luke's Hospice in Cedar Rapids. Funeral Service: 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. A livestream of the funeral service may be accessed on the funeral home website under the obituary for Vernon R. Hagan, under the video tab starting at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15, 2023. Interment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories.

Vernon was born on the family farm south of Shellsburg, Iowa, on June 4, 1933, to J. Carleton and Alice (Melhorn) Hagan.

He graduated from Atkins High School in 1950. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953 and served in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1955. Vernon returned to the family farm to farm with his dad.

In April 1961, he was united in marriage to Marilyn Hellwig. They were blessed with three children, Judy Hagan (Jim Sova), Gary Hagan (Adrianne), and Cynthia Sauer (Kevin), and one granddaughter, Katie Sauer.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Dorothy Quass.

Vernon was very honored to take his son, Gary, on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. with him.

Vernon and Marilyn worked in security in Iowa City for Iowa Hawkeye basketball, football, and wrestling events for 31 years. They were great University of Iowa fans.

He was a member and Past Master of Benton City Lodge. Vernon was a member of the Atkins Presbyterian Church for most of his life. He was Pioneer Seed dealer for over 25 years. Vernon was a member of the American Legion for many years.

Vernon and Marilyn retired and left the farm in 1996 and moved to Hiwatha and then moved to Prairie Gardens in Cedar Rapids where they made many new friends.

Memorials may be directed to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.

Online condolences are welcome at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.