Roland O. Rye Hagen

Roland O. "Rye" Hagen, age 87 of Westby, died Thursday, June 5, 2008. Roland Otto Hagen (Rye/Rollie), 87, of Westby Wisconsin passed away on June 5, 2008 at Old Times Assisted Care where he has been a resident for 2 years. He has been living in Westby since his retirement in 1984. He had lived in Milwaukee andWest Allis before retiring to Westby. Roland was born March 13, 1921 to Reuben and Blanche (Nichols) Hagen in Westby. He attended area schools and was an outstanding basketball player while in high school and a member of the first championship team. Upon graduation he entered the US Navy on September 28, 1942 and was honorably discharged on January 14, 1946. His rank was Pharmacist's Mate 2nd class USNR. He served as a medic with a Marine Corps unit on Okinawa during WWII. Upon discharge he entered theUniversity of Wisconsin, Madison and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. After graduation he entered the banking industry and had a long career with First Wisconsin National Bank (US Bank) in downtown Milwaukee. At the time of his retirement he was an assistant vice president. Roland married Jessie Borgen of Viroqua on February 1, 1947 in Viroqua, Wisconsin. She preceded him in death on April 14, 1999. They were the parents of two children, Ryan Hagen of Menasha (fiance Pat Raddatz) and Rhonda (David) Smerchek of Union Grove Wisconsin. He was a lifetime member of the Westby Rod & Gun Club, a member of the Westby Coon-Prairie Lutheran Church and the Snowflake Ski Club. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, golfing, fishing and was an avid sports fan. Roland was preceded in death by his wife, Jaye, a brother, Harold and three infant children. In addition to his two children, Roland is survived by his sister, Lois Hagen of Santa Fe, NM, three grandchildren, Brad Hagen, Amy (Tim) Boocher, and Nicole Smerchek, and two great-grandchildren, Karina Hagen and Violet Schwersenska, Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 9, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church with Pastor Dennis Hallemeier officiating. Burial with military rites will be in the Coon Prairie Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Online condolences may be offered atwww.vosseteigfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers or plants memorials may be made to the Coon Prairie Cemetery Fund or the Fine Arts Foundation of the Westby Area. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.