Walter Hagsten

Walter L. Hagsten

Walter L. Hagsten, 94, Hibbing, passed peacefully on April 9, 2015 at Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing. He was born on January 17, 1921 to Oscar and Edna Hagsten near Williston, ND. As the oldest in a family of 7 children born to blind parents, Walter became the main family breadwinner at an early age, when the family moved to Togo, Minn. A proud member of the Civilian Conservation Corps, Walter worked planting trees and building roads in northern Minn. before completing his military duty. Following his army service, he met the love of his life, Rhea Johanix-Koslowski. They married on May 13, 1948, and together they raised their family of 9 children on the family farm, just outside of Hibbing. Walter retired from Hanna Mining Company, where he and his brother Harry frequently worked side by side as welders. He also devoted many years of service to the Stuntz Co-op Power & Light. In addition to service as co-op President, you could frequently find him at the top of a basket truck doing line maintenance to keep the lights burning in the Wilpen-Spudville area.

Walt leaves a legacy of 9 children, 22 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren. He is survived by sons, Warren (Sue) Hagsten, Jim (Kathy) Koslowski, Larry (Mary) Hagsten, daughters, Rhea “Peg” (Lewis) Rocco, Carole (Paul) Pustovar, Holly Petroske, Karen (Ron) Deblack, and Sharon (Luke) Lindstrom, along with brother, Harry (Jean) Hagsten and sister Edna Mae Pilson. As on earth, he will continue to be a bright star for his special granddaughter, “Bumpa’s Dolly”, Amanda. He was preceded in death by his wife Rhea, daughter, Joan Olson, son-in-law, Joe Petroske, parents Oscar and Edna, and sisters, Thelma Rule Saukko, Ella Lubovich, Edith Massich, and Betty Woitel.