Howard Walter Hagen

Howard Walter Hagen, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at his home on September 20, 2014 after a long illness. He was born at home on June 9, 1931, in Salt Lake City, the fourth child and third son of Albert N. Hagen and Gardie E. Stowell Hagen.

After a happy childhood climbing the trees near 7th East, he attended West High and the University of Utah. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he was called on a mission to Norway, but due to the Korean conflict, he was instead drafted into the army. He married Verla May Quilter on June 1, 1956 in the Salt Lake Temple. They were married for 58 years and have five children.

Howard spent the greater part of his career managing retail sporting goods stores in Salt Lake City, Orem and Park City, including Zinik's and The Cheaper Skier. He loved all sports and was an avid and accomplished skier, golfer, and fisherman. He was a gifted artist who enjoyed painting, sketching and creating beautiful Christmas and birthday cards for family members. He was an active member of the LDS church, serving in many callings including scoutmaster, ward clerk, and counselor in the bishopric. He and his wife served a mission in Nauvoo, Illinois from 2003-2004. We will remember our father and grandfather for his wonderful sense of humor, his kind heart, and his loving devotion to family.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Helen, and his brothers Roy and Robert. He is survived by his wife Verla, his daughter Julia Hammond (Harlan), his sons Scott (Loree), Stuart (Amy), Jeffrey (Michelle), and Andrew (Sabra), his fifteen grandchildren, and his brother Lee (Dorothy), of Bryan, Texas.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, September 27, at 11:00 am at the East Millcreek Stake Center, 3100 E. Craig Drive. Family will receive visitors Friday evening 6-8 pm at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, and at the stake center Saturday 9:45 to 10:30 am prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations to the LDS Church Humanitarian fund or a charity of your choice. Messages to the family can be posted at: www.HolbrookMortuary.com