October 26, 1946 - June 12, 2025
Gerald “Jerry” Hager, age 78, of Richfield, MN, passed away on Thursday, June 12 with his family at his side.
Jerry was born on October 26, 1946, in Wabasha, MN to parents Joseph and Marie Hager (Costello). He was the oldest of 5 siblings, followed by Jim, Dennis, Eleanor, and Leo. He attended St. Felix Catholic School where he graduated in 1964, then went on to get a bachelor's degree in Math with a minor in Physics from Winona State University in 1968.
After college, he joined the Army where he served in the Vietnam War from 1968-1970. While serving, he received the Bronze Star Medal with a “V” Device, the fourth highest military decoration for valor. Jerry met the love of his life, Marcia Fairchild, and they got married on June 2nd, 1973, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Richfield, and went on to have three children, Randy, Rich, and Russ.
Throughout his life Jerry worked as a Computer Analyst, working for nearly 30 years at Flour City Brush Company. He was the Quartermaster and an active volunteer at the Fred Babcock VFW Post 5555, as well as an active volunteer at the Armed Forces Service Center, dedicating over 5,000 hours of his time. Many years were spent with his lifelong friends from college and beyond involved in racing and general automotive hobbies. Jerry enjoyed farming at the family farm with his siblings. He loved watching sports, including the Twins, MN Wild, motorsports of all types. You could always find Jerry watching his sons play baseball or hockey from the stands. He continued to closely follow Richfield Baseball even after his sons exited the program.
Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Marie Hager (Costello); his sister Eleanor, brother-in-law Terry Groby, and sister-in-law Linda Hager (Jim).
Survived by wife, Marcia Hager (Fairchild); sons, Randy (Sarah), Rich, and Russ; 6 grandchildren, Raeann, Hanna, Elsa, Tyler, Samantha and Lucas; brothers, Jim, Dennis, (Jane) and Leo (Vicki).
Jerry will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the VFW Post#5555 of Richfield, or the Armed Forces Service Center (MSP Airport).
Memorial Service
Friday, June 27, 2025
3:00 PM
Visitation 1-Hr prior to service.
St Peter's Catholic Church
6730 Nicollet Avenue South
Richfield, MN 55423
Visitation
Thursday, June 26, 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel
6527 Portland Avenue South
Richfield, MN 55423
Interment
Thursday, July 3, 2025
Contact family for details.
Fort Snelling National Cemetery
7601 34th Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55450
So sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. He graduated with Bob, and they were “next door” neighbors on the farms.
Eleanor and I graduated together and were best friends since high school.
They both had their crosses to bear.
Thinking of all of you at such a difficult time.
Jerry and I were best friends and roommates in college and had great times together, especially racing, in the years that followed. In recent years we have mainly stayed in touch with frequent phone calls. I will miss Jerry, and those calls that kept us connected. He was the best.
Marcia, Russ, Randy, and Rich,
Jake and I are deeply saddened by Jerry’s passing. Jake admired his love for family, friends and country which reflected the selfless, brave man he was. I got to know Jerry later on, and he was always kind to me, especially when sharing stories about his Corvette. His spirit touched many lives, and he will be greatly missed. A true patriot, we are grateful for his sacrifice and service to our country.
May you find comfort in knowing the Lord is welcoming him with open arms, free from pain. We will celebrate his life and keep his legacy alive in our hearts.
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family,
Jake and Carly Cison