Joseph Hageman

Joseph, Joe, Grant Hageman was born July 29th, 1949, to Percival and Caroline Hageman in Livingston, MT. He passed peacefully in his sleep in the early morning hours of April 9th, 2023.

His childhood was filled with adventure, including crawling out of a second-story window at two years old and breaking his first bone. He enjoyed a myriad of activities and hobbies, terrorizing the town with his brothers and showing off on his brother Dave's unicycle. Joe's quick wit became apparent from an early age through a tumultuous relationship with his school math teachers. Ever quick to stand up for the underdog, Joe found himself in many “rock and a hard place” situations standing up for his brothers and friends.

At 17, Joe enlisted in the Marines and at 18 deployed to Vietnam. Always one to flourish in the face of adversity, Joe advanced to the rank of Marine Lance Corporal. He was honorably discharged in 1971 after four years of service. He spent several years traveling the country as a bit of a vagabond before returning home to Montana.

He met the love of his life, Cindy, while driving a taxi in Billings, MT. Though Joe was actively struggling with alcoholism through the beginning of their marriage, God and love were patient and kind. Joe was proud to be in the first class to graduate treatment at the Rimrock Foundation in Billings. In 1986, Joe and Cindy welcomed their son, Jeremy, and in 1990 their daughter, Kayla.

Joe was a social butterfly. He had many groups of friends in the car and church community in Billings. He worked tirelessly day in and day out with no complaints. His love for his children, his brothers, and friends was remarkable. Joe was kind to everyone; he was never hateful or rude and encouraged others to love those around them. He was a profound husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and jokester.

Joe is survived by his children, Jeremy, and Kayla, and their combined five children; siblings: Jack, Dave, Jerry, Jim, and Sonya.

He was proceeded in death by his wife, Cindy; mother and father, Percival, and Caroline; and his brother Steve. Joe showed everyone around him what a man of God looks like.

He loved with everything he had and was a beacon of healing, recovery, and hope to all around him.