Richard Arthur Hager

Richard A. Hager, 64, of Elkader, IA, formerly of Waukon, IA, died Thursday, March 10, 2016, at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, WI. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 17th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

Richard Arthur Hager was born on November 15, 1951 in Waukon, IA, the son of Arthur Fredrick and Leona Marie (Glaser) Hager. He was baptized at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church in rural Postville, IA and confirmed at First Presbyterian Church in Waukon. He graduated from Waukon High School in 1970. On June 30, 2001 he married Aileen Mary Tackitt in a ceremony in rural Harpers Ferry, IA. Richard spent many years as a carpenter doing construction; first for a local builder and then on his own. Later he worked a number of years at Northern Engraving in Waukon and Design Homes in Prairie du Chien, WI. In 2009 he returned to school and took classes at NICC in Calmar, IA. After earning his CNA license he worked at Wellington Place Assisted Living in Decorah for a short time before health issues caused his early retirement. Since 2010 he has lived in Elkader, IA.

Richard was an avid outdoorsman and loved to go hunting and fishing. He also made knives. An accomplished woodworker, he made many items of furniture for the home and to give to relatives and friends. Richard also enjoyed spending time in the kitchen and liked to cook and bake.

Survivors include his wife Aileen of Elkader, IA; 2 children: Gayle (Dan) Lutz of Linden, IA and Cody Hager of Waukon; 3 stepchildren: Shelly (Lonnie) Wiemerslage of Prairie du Chien, and Jimmy (Teresa ) Eggers and Tina (Arlyn) Loper, both of Monona, IA; 14 grandchildren: Zoey, Emily, Morgan, Kaylin, Kenzie, Travis, Jolynn, Jacob, Samantha, Ty, Trista, Aaron, Leann and Jesse; 6 great-grandchildren; and a sister Grace Sorenson of Waterville, IA.