Norris Hagen, a cherished member of the Grygla community, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, at the family farm near Grygla, Minnesota, under the devoted care of HIA Hospice and surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 6, 1926, on the same family farm where he lived his entire life, Norris embodied the values of hard work, kindness, and a deep connection to the land.

Norris dedicated his life to agriculture, joining his father on the family farm and becoming a very successful farmer. His contributions extended beyond his own property; he was always willing to lend a hand to neighbors, cutting wood, combining crops, hauling grain, and caring for dairy cattle for many years. Even into his 90s, he could often be found in a tractor, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to farming.

Education was an important aspect of Norris’s early life. He attended country school through the 8th grade and furthered his education with two years at the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, Minnesota. His quick wit and kind disposition made him well-liked by all who knew him; he had a unique ability to brighten the day of everyone around him, never uttering a bad word about anyone.

On April 30, 1950 he was united in marriage to Hilda Satre at Grygla, MN.

In his retirement years, Norris continued to embrace life with enthusiasm. He enjoyed hobbies such as gardening, picking blueberries, and rolling lefse, showing off his skills as a great cook. A devoted sports fan, he loved watching the Minnesota Twins and Timberwolves with family. He found joy in playing cards with family and neighbors, sharing laughter and good times.

Norris had a passion for the outdoors, particularly deer hunting, which he continued to enjoy well into his 80s, maintaining a reputation as a good shot. His proudest accomplishments were rooted in his role as a dedicated farmer, a loving father, and a devoted husband.

He was a lifelong member of the St. Petri Lutheran Church of rural Grygla, MN, deepening his ties to the community and his faith.

Norris is lovingly remembered by his children, Baylen (Jan) Hagen; Marlene Hagen; Mavis Hagen; and Rodney (Sherri) Hagen. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Cory (Jordan) Hagen, step-grandchildren Geoffrey, Justyne and Dayle, Russell, Nolan, Matthew, Jill, and Linnae, as well as his great-grandchildren, Violet and Oliver Hagen, and step-great-grandchildren Kember, Keston, Kutler, Lyrick, Theryn, Lainey, and Edyn Jo.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Hilda, in 2007, along with his parents, Arne and Kornelia. Norris was also preceded by his brothers Oscar, Otto, and Melvin, and sisters Inga Ulla, Clara Boe, Alma Svenpladsen, Miranda Skaaren, Benora Falk, and Lila Holthusen, as well as his nephews Milo Hagen and Paul Holthusen, and many other beloved extended family members.

Norris Hagen leaves behind a legacy of hard work, love, and the importance of community that will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral service for Norris will be held 11:00 AM on Monday, December 22, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Jeffery Merseth officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Northwoods Cemetery near Grygla, MN.