Maurice Hagen

Maurice Leslie Hagen Jr., 76, of Belvidere, IL, passed away on Friday, January 10, 2020 at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, IL. He was born on Thursday, April 15, 1943 in Janesville, WI to the late Maurice Leslie and Myrtle Mae (Kersten) Hagen Sr. He married the love of his life, Marie Wynstra on Saturday, March 4, 1989 in Belvidere, IL. Maurice grew up on a farm in Whitewater, WI milking cows with his dad. He spent the first 8 years of school in a one room schoolhouse. Graduating 8th grade from Springbrook Elementary School. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1961. He was a member of FFA and 4H. He then attended Madison Business College receiving a degree in Key Punch. He began working in Elgin, IL as a key punch operator. He then moved to Janesville, WI and worked at the Cotton Mills. In 1966 he started his career at Chrysler, Corporation in Belvidere, IL. retiring after 35 years of service. In 1983 he purchased Morries “Never” Inn. With his wife Marie and his family, they had a successful run for 19 years. Maurice loved family and looked forward to family gatherings, trips, and monthly cribbage tournaments. He traveled the world making it to all 50 states and numerous foreign countries, including his homeland in Norway, where he visited the birthplace of his grandfather. His love for music began at a young age when his uncle taught him how to play the accordion out in the barn. He continued his love for music in the Church Bell Choir. He enjoyed spending time in his woodshop making toys for all, especially for his grandkids. He was a Green Bay Packer Backer and enjoyed watching Nascar. He was an avid car enthusiast well known for his collection of 1970 Chrysler 300 Convertibles and was proud of participating in the restoration of his newest acquisition of his wife’s 1953 Chrysler Windsor Coupe. Above all, his family meant everything to him. Maurice is loved and will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Marie; sons, Butch (Lisa) Hagen, Martin Hagen; daughters, Cheryl Hagen, Jody (Norm) Archer, Lea (Jeff) Newman, Hope (Andy) Ortega; 25 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; brother, David (Kathy) Hagen; brother-in-law Markham Saunders; sister-in-law, Corinne Hagen; special friend, LeAnne King; numerous “favorite” nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Myrtle; brothers, Gerald Hagen, Gary Hagen; sister, Louise Saunders; nephew, David W. Hagen. There will be a visitation on Friday, January 17, 2020 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Belvidere Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Belvidere, IL. A funeral service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Belvidere, IL on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. There will be a visitation from 12:00 P.M. until the time of service. Interment will take place at Highland Garden of Memories. A memorial fund has been established in the family’s name.