Kathleen I. Hagen

After a sudden illness and hospitalization, Kathleen Ilona Hagen passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, at her home in the loving care of her husband Robin.

Kathy was born in Dearborn, Michigan, on September 20, 1943, to William "Red" Thomas and Goldie Papp Thomas. She spent her childhood loving butterflies—a lifelong affection—in Detroit. Her teenage years were joyful and glorious as one of the "Three Musketeers" with her inseparable friends Madeline and Evelyn. She loved soul music and appeared several times on the popular television show "Soul Train" while in high school.

A lifelong resident of Michigan, Kathy made homes in Romulus, Maple Forest Township (Crawford County), and finally in Gaylord. Kathy worked at various restaurants, including the B & J Restaurant in Gaylord. After she retired from Walmart, she continued to spread her warmth and charm working at the Goodwill Thrift store in Gaylord.

A gentle and loving soul, Kathy's favorite color was purple and her favorite season summer, when she could garden. True to her heritage, she loved cooking Hungarian food—she even made her own noodles. Kathy was a true rustic camper and an avid fisherman, angling for bluegill and bass and "any kind of fish that bites the hook." At home, she quilted, crocheted, sewed, and cross-stitched while listening to Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn or watching her favorite game shows. Of course, these hobbies meant frequent shopping trips with family to every hobby and craft store within reach, followed by lunch out.

We remember Kathy's wonderful sense of humor, her easy laughter, her sparkle, and indomitable spirit. We wonder at her ability to retain the joy of a child as she laughed out loud at Saturday morning cartoons.

Kathy is survived by her husband Robin; her daughters Cheryl Joseph (and partner Rod Thomas) and Kimberly (Carl) Jobkar; stepsons Walter and Timothy Adams; grandchildren Jake Joseph, Jamie Dean Joseph, and Heather Rasmussen; and many great-grandchildren.

Kathy's wishes have been followed with cremation, and there will be no memorial service.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on her guestbook below.