Reid Hagen

Our beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Reid Hagen, passed away in the early morning hours of December 10, 2023, surrounded by his daughter and granddaughter, just two days shy of his 94th birthday.

His incredible journey began in Aberdeen, South Dakota on December 12, 1929. As an only child, he was fortunate to have a large extended family to make incredible memories. With his best friend, cousin, and “brother”, Seamus McKenna, many escapades were enjoyed in Aberdeen, Wilmot, and Big Stone Lake. They went to movies at the Capital Theater in Aberdeen, built card houses, had firecracker wars with toy soldiers, and invented new ice cream concoctions while working at the drug store soda fountain. A move to Montana in the 1940s brought new adventures with his parents, Bill and Edie, Grandmother Meme, and Great Aunt Nettie. Dad enjoyed each trip back to Wilmot and SoDak Beach to play with his cousins in the summer.

Dad's years at Billings Senior High School cultivated new friends and cherished memories. Graduating in 1947, he worked tirelessly on all the reunions and made sure that the 50th was a wonderful time. After graduation, he earned an associate degree in 1949 from Eastern Montana State Normal School (now MSU Billings). His service to our country in the Air Force took him to England for a few years and we never tired of hearing all his stories. Reid returned home to work in the family business, Hagen Printing. What started as The Bit and Spur Magazine by his parents, helped grow the business that is still in its location on Third Avenue North.

Dad was raised as a Presbyterian, but his friends were part of a newly formed “singles” group at Saint Patrick's Catholic Church known as the Patrician Club. It was there he met a prim and proper young lady named Nancy Topash. He set his eyes on this beauty and in September of 1957, a marriage took place at historic Saint Patrick's. In 1959 this union was blessed with the birth of a son, Mark William, followed by a daughter, Bernadette Lynn, in 1962. A dream home was built on the second hole of Lake Hills Golf Course and with our Bassett Hound, Abner, the family was complete.

Reid was never one to let the grass grow under his feet. He spent countless hours devoting time to the Optimist Club of Billings (a founding member), Holy Cross Cemetery Board, Eastern Montana College Athletic Association, Saint Patrick's Parish Council, Billings Catholic Schools, and Mayfair. He was proud of the annual Optimist Christmas Tree sales (enlisting the help of his children and grandchildren with the promise of hot cocoa) and being a “Sting” parent for the EMC Basketball Team.

Dad's passion was GOLF! His love of the game was passed down to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Friday nights with Mom at Lake Hills for couple's league, your foursome (or more) each Thursday and Saturday at Hilands, were the highlights of his week. He worked his way through the chairs at Hilands Golf Club and was president during one of the most controversial years. Playing in the Fling and Roundup tournaments with his best friend, Tony Schmidt was the pinnacle of the summer.

Dad's life changed drastically on December 20, 1991, when his beloved Nancy left you too soon, succumbing to a battle with cancer. In 1996 his broken heart was healed when he reconnected with an old friend, Kathleen Walton. They were married in January 1997 and spent the next 23 years caring for each other and enjoying time with friends and family. Through this union he gained a bonus family, Steve (Andrea) Walton with Ben and Hayley; Margo (Travis) Adolph with McKenna, Ryan, and Alex; Mike (Lori Joseph) with Jake.

Dad was greeted in heaven by his first wife Nancy; parents, Bill, and Edie; beloved McKenna family members; second wife Kathleen along with numerous friends and family.

He leaves behind son Mark (Bev) Hagen; granddaughter, Lindsay (Aseem) Desai with great-grandson Oliver; grandson, Sean Hagen; his daughter Bernadette (Craig) Steffan; beloved granddaughters Megan Hagen; Kelsey (Ben) Langford and great-grandson Henry; Callie (Clay) Nottingham.

Rosary and family visitation will take place Thursday, February 1st at 6:00 PM at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Funeral mass will take place Friday, February 2nd at 10:00 AM at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Following the interment at Holy Cross Cemetery there will be a reception at 1:00 PM at the Highlands Golf Club.

Memorials may be made to Life Skills FORE Montana Youth, PO Box 21056, Billings, MT 59104. Dad's love for the game of golf will live on in the youth of his favorite golf program.