Willard Rayfew Hagedorn was born on September 22, 1921 in Royal, Iowa, the son of James and Marie Elnora (Henrickson) Hagedorn.  Willard was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church.  Willard served in the US Army for three years in the 316 Combat Engr Btn 91st Inf Div.  He also served for 18 months in Africa and Italy during World War II.

On January 12, 1946, he was united in marriage to Arlene Koch in Spirit Lake.  The couple made their home in Paullina and Milford before moving to Spirit Lake in 1967.  Willard worked as a carpenter in the Lakes Area and was a member of the VFW.  He enjoyed sports, woodworking and spending time with his family. 

Willard resided at Hilltop Care Center for the past four years.  He cherished the many visitors he encountered.  He enjoyed watching the Cubs and the Hawkeyes on TV and his Tuesday’s playing BINGO.  He enjoyed sharing many memories and stories with the staff and residents of Hilltop.  He’s made many friendships along the way.

Willard passed away on March 8, 2006 at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake at eighty-four years of age.

He is survived by his five children, Diane Earl and her husband Roger of Spirit Lake, Donna Warntjes and her fiancé Jim McKee of Watertown, S.D., David Hagedorn and his wife Linda of Spirit Lake, Deb Stammer and her husband Mark of Spirit Lake, and Dawn Wilson of Spirit Lake; seven grandchildren, Kelly Christensen (Sean) of Spirit Lake, Ronda Barkley (Marshall) of Rosco, IL, Kevin Warntjes (Jackie) of Spencer, Troy Earl and his fiancé Kristel of Chandler, AZ, Jennifer Rogers (Ty) of Burlington, IA, Hollie Essick (Chris) of Spencer, IA and Rebecca McBreen (Ryan) of Lexington, KY; ten great-grandchildren; three brothers, Herbert, Kenneth, and Ronald; two sisters, Virgina and Orla Jean.

Willard was preceded in death by his wife Arlene, his parents, four brothers and three sisters.

IN MEMORY
WILLARD RAYFEW HAGEDORN
September 22, 1921
March 8, 2006

SERVICES
Turner Funeral Home
Spirit Lake, Iowa
Saturday, March 11, 2006  2:00 PM

CLERGY
Rev. Ben Den Hartog

MUSIC
Take My Hand Precious Lord
How Great Thou Art
Jody Jenness, Keyboard

PALLBEARERS
Kevin Warntjes
Chris Essick
Sean Christensen
Marshall Barkley
Dylan Barkley
Roger Hagedorn

INTERMENT
Spirit Lake Memorial Gardens
Spirit Lake, Iowa