William "Bill" J. Hagen

William "Bill" J. Hagen, age 64, of South Shore, SD, passed away on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at his residence in South Shore, SD.  Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in South Shore, SD.  Rev. Ken Nelson will officiate.  

Visitation will be Monday, May 27, 2024 at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown, SD, from 5-7 p.m. 

Burial will be at St. Pauli Cemetery in rural Wallace, SD.  Honorary pallbearers will be Merlin Hagen, Curt Thompson, Bryan Nelson, Erland Carlson, and Neal Keller.  Active pallbearers will be Derek Schmig, Ben Nelson, Chris Grode, Damonn Mischke, Mykcel Sprung, and Jared Schmig.

Bill was born on July 7, 1959, in Webster, SD, to Harlan and Maribeth (Brock) Hagen.  After graduating from Webster High School in 1977, Bill dedicated himself to working on the family farm. His connection to the land and love for agriculture were evident in everything he did during those formative years. In 1983, Bill pursued his dream job as an over-the-road truck driver, a career that allowed him to travel extensively and meet people from all walks of life. Bill's stories from the road were as interesting as they were diverse, filled with humor and the wisdom of someone who truly lived life to the fullest.

On June 8, 1985, Bill married Connie Schmig in Rauville, SD. Bill's interests were as expansive as the countryside he loved to explore. An avid hunter and fisherman, he spent countless hours in the great outdoors, respecting nature and finding peace in its vast beauty. His love for auction sales was also well-known, with many weekends spent in search of hidden treasures and the thrill of the bid.

Those who knew Bill would describe him as an interesting man, full of knowledge on a wide array of subjects. His faith-filled life was an inspiration to many, as he navigated life's challenges with unwavering spirituality and grace. Bill's spirited personality was infectious, and he had the unique ability to lift the spirits of everyone around him.  Bill and his wife Connie belonged to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Watertown until its closure. 

As we say farewell to Bill, we celebrate a life well-lived and cherish the memories he leaves behind. His journey on the roads may have ended, but the paths he paved in the hearts of those he touched will endure forever. Bill's presence will continue to be felt in the whisper of the prairie wind, the rustle of the autumn leaves, and the silent dignity of the South Dakota landscape he so dearly loved.

Bill is survived by his wife, Connie, of South Shore, SD; one daughter, Nicole (Craig) Falor, of Madison, SD; one son, James (Katie) Hagen, of Gettysburg, SD; one brother, Kevin (Stacy) Hagen, of Aberdeen, SD; two sisters, Melody Nelson, of Webster, SD, and Susan Grode (Dan Hoffman), of Watertown, SD; one uncle, Merlin Hagen, of Wallace, SD; one aunt, Judy Hagen, of Watertown, SD; parents-in-law, LaVerne and Rose Schmig; brothers-in-law, Paul (Laurie) Schmig, Todd (Carrie) Schmig, and Rick Schmig (Sheila Van Mill); sister-in-law, Lisa Sprung (Dale Foster); and several nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; one uncle, Larry Hagen; one aunt Barb Hagen; one sister-in-law, Julie Hagen; and one niece Macie Farness.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown, Hayti, De Smet, Bryant, Arlington, Lake Preston, Oldham

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