BENNETH MARTINSON HAGEN August 23, 1918 - April 13, 2006.
His father, Carl, was a strong and powerful man who owned his own steam thresher with which he made his living. His mother, Brithe Marie (Martinson), was a proud woman who raised 6 boys and 3 girls. Benneth Martinson Hagen born in Clinton, Minnesota on August 23, 1918, passed away on April 13, 2006 at the age of 87 after a long battle with cancer. Known to his friends and family as "Buddy" or "Ben", his last years were filled with pride and humor and despite his illness, he never lost his zest for life nor his love for his family.
Benneth entered the army on February 10, 1941 from the Minnesota National Guard. A Communications Sergeant in the 34th "Red Bull" Infantry Division, he landed in Africa in the first Allied assault. He served 37 months in the European Theater of Operations. Wounded and captured while on patrol in Italy, he spent 18 months as a prisoner-of-war in Germany. Liberated by the Russian Army, Sgt. Hagen made his way home to Minnesota and found that all five of his brothers had survived the war as well. He was honorably discharged on August 24, 1945. Upon his return from Europe, he laid down his weapons and began to build the life that he dreamed of while a POW. During his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman's Badge and four campaign ribbons. He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
A visit to Portland, Oregon to see his sister, Eileen turned into a longer stay and he started college on the G.I. Bill. While in Portland, he met Phyllis Ruth Baldwin on a blind date. They fell in love and were married April 25, 1947. Moving to California, Ben completed his accounting degree and after a short stint at General Motors in Oakland, became Production Planning Supervisor with Crown Zellerbach in San Leandro, a position that he held for over 30 years. Ben and Phyllis moved to Castro Valley in 1951 and there they raised three children, Debra, Bruce and Dale. The example set by both parents as avid readers, resulted in three children who also love reading. Summer vacations were spent with boxes of books from the library and on trips to the ocean where we enjoyed Buddy's famous beach dinners. A patient teacher, Ben taught his children carpentry and building skills. What today would be called creative problem-solving, was to Ben and Phyllis, simply making do with what you had and figuring out how to do whatever needed doing. Ben loved gardening, working with wood and improving their home and cabin.
Preceded in death by his brothers Randolph, Harris, Arlen and Vernon, he is survived by his loving family: his wife of 59 years, Phyllis; daughter, Debra and her husband, Paul; and sons, Bruce and Dale. He leaves behind his sisters, June Harvey of Clinton, Minnesota, Eileen Reiersgaard of Castro Valley, California, Ardyce Stevens and her husband, Bill of Mt. Airy, Maryland; brother, Grant and his wife, Karen of Clinton, Minnesota. Also surviving him are his beloved grandchildren: grandson and namesake, Benneth, and granddaughters, Dominoe, Lauren, Ariana, and Ilana; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was surrounded by an extended family that loved him and "Sunshine" will be deeply missed by Tina, Claudia, Alice and Sonnya. Throughout his long battle, his wife Phyllis was at his side and Ben faced his illness with courage and humor. The family wishes to thank those caregivers at Valley Pointe Nursing Home and Hayward Kaiser Hospital who helped to make Ben's last years comfortable. His ever-present smile and cheery disposition will be sorely missed by all.
Visitation with the family will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, April 17th at Chapel of the Chimes, 32992 Mission Blvd., Hayward. Services will be held on Tuesday, April 18th. Interment service will be held at Chapel of the Chimes at 11 a.m. with memorial service and reception at Faith Lutheran Church in Castro Valley beginning at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Faith Lutheran Church - Building Fund, 20080 Redwood Road, Castro Valley, CA.
Alameda Times-Star/Daily Review 4/16/06.
***********************************************************
This is my dad. I wanted to add something I read that was left for another soldier, because I know how much my dad would have agreed with it.
"A true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him."
Miss you, Dad - Deb
Brother:
Randolph Carlton Hagen
Nephew:
Dean Orville Reiersgaard
His father, Carl, was a strong and powerful man who owned his own steam thresher with which he made his living. His mother, Brithe Marie (Martinson), was a proud woman who raised 6 boys and 3 girls. Benneth Martinson Hagen born in Clinton, Minnesota on August 23, 1918, passed away on April 13, 2006 at the age of 87 after a long battle with cancer. Known to his friends and family as "Buddy" or "Ben", his last years were filled with pride and humor and despite his illness, he never lost his zest for life nor his love for his family.
Benneth entered the army on February 10, 1941 from the Minnesota National Guard. A Communications Sergeant in the 34th "Red Bull" Infantry Division, he landed in Africa in the first Allied assault. He served 37 months in the European Theater of Operations. Wounded and captured while on patrol in Italy, he spent 18 months as a prisoner-of-war in Germany. Liberated by the Russian Army, Sgt. Hagen made his way home to Minnesota and found that all five of his brothers had survived the war as well. He was honorably discharged on August 24, 1945. Upon his return from Europe, he laid down his weapons and began to build the life that he dreamed of while a POW. During his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman's Badge and four campaign ribbons. He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
A visit to Portland, Oregon to see his sister, Eileen turned into a longer stay and he started college on the G.I. Bill. While in Portland, he met Phyllis Ruth Baldwin on a blind date. They fell in love and were married April 25, 1947. Moving to California, Ben completed his accounting degree and after a short stint at General Motors in Oakland, became Production Planning Supervisor with Crown Zellerbach in San Leandro, a position that he held for over 30 years. Ben and Phyllis moved to Castro Valley in 1951 and there they raised three children, Debra, Bruce and Dale. The example set by both parents as avid readers, resulted in three children who also love reading. Summer vacations were spent with boxes of books from the library and on trips to the ocean where we enjoyed Buddy's famous beach dinners. A patient teacher, Ben taught his children carpentry and building skills. What today would be called creative problem-solving, was to Ben and Phyllis, simply making do with what you had and figuring out how to do whatever needed doing. Ben loved gardening, working with wood and improving their home and cabin.
Preceded in death by his brothers Randolph, Harris, Arlen and Vernon, he is survived by his loving family: his wife of 59 years, Phyllis; daughter, Debra and her husband, Paul; and sons, Bruce and Dale. He leaves behind his sisters, June Harvey of Clinton, Minnesota, Eileen Reiersgaard of Castro Valley, California, Ardyce Stevens and her husband, Bill of Mt. Airy, Maryland; brother, Grant and his wife, Karen of Clinton, Minnesota. Also surviving him are his beloved grandchildren: grandson and namesake, Benneth, and granddaughters, Dominoe, Lauren, Ariana, and Ilana; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was surrounded by an extended family that loved him and "Sunshine" will be deeply missed by Tina, Claudia, Alice and Sonnya. Throughout his long battle, his wife Phyllis was at his side and Ben faced his illness with courage and humor. The family wishes to thank those caregivers at Valley Pointe Nursing Home and Hayward Kaiser Hospital who helped to make Ben's last years comfortable. His ever-present smile and cheery disposition will be sorely missed by all.
Visitation with the family will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, April 17th at Chapel of the Chimes, 32992 Mission Blvd., Hayward. Services will be held on Tuesday, April 18th. Interment service will be held at Chapel of the Chimes at 11 a.m. with memorial service and reception at Faith Lutheran Church in Castro Valley beginning at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Faith Lutheran Church - Building Fund, 20080 Redwood Road, Castro Valley, CA.
Alameda Times-Star/Daily Review 4/16/06.
***********************************************************
This is my dad. I wanted to add something I read that was left for another soldier, because I know how much my dad would have agreed with it.
"A true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him."
Miss you, Dad - Deb
Brother:
Randolph Carlton Hagen
Nephew:
Dean Orville Reiersgaard
BENNETH MARTINSON HAGEN August 23, 1918 - April 13, 2006.
His father, Carl, was a strong and powerful man who owned his own steam thresher with which he made his living. His mother, Brithe Marie (Martinson), was a proud woman who raised 6 boys and 3 girls. Benneth Martinson Hagen born in Clinton, Minnesota on August 23, 1918, passed away on April 13, 2006 at the age of 87 after a long battle with cancer. Known to his friends and family as "Buddy" or "Ben", his last years were filled with pride and humor and despite his illness, he never lost his zest for life nor his love for his family.
Benneth entered the army on February 10, 1941 from the Minnesota National Guard. A Communications Sergeant in the 34th "Red Bull" Infantry Division, he landed in Africa in the first Allied assault. He served 37 months in the European Theater of Operations. Wounded and captured while on patrol in Italy, he spent 18 months as a prisoner-of-war in Germany. Liberated by the Russian Army, Sgt. Hagen made his way home to Minnesota and found that all five of his brothers had survived the war as well. He was honorably discharged on August 24, 1945. Upon his return from Europe, he laid down his weapons and began to build the life that he dreamed of while a POW. During his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman's Badge and four campaign ribbons. He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
A visit to Portland, Oregon to see his sister, Eileen turned into a longer stay and he started college on the G.I. Bill. While in Portland, he met Phyllis Ruth Baldwin on a blind date. They fell in love and were married April 25, 1947. Moving to California, Ben completed his accounting degree and after a short stint at General Motors in Oakland, became Production Planning Supervisor with Crown Zellerbach in San Leandro, a position that he held for over 30 years. Ben and Phyllis moved to Castro Valley in 1951 and there they raised three children, Debra, Bruce and Dale. The example set by both parents as avid readers, resulted in three children who also love reading. Summer vacations were spent with boxes of books from the library and on trips to the ocean where we enjoyed Buddy's famous beach dinners. A patient teacher, Ben taught his children carpentry and building skills. What today would be called creative problem-solving, was to Ben and Phyllis, simply making do with what you had and figuring out how to do whatever needed doing. Ben loved gardening, working with wood and improving their home and cabin.
Preceded in death by his brothers Randolph, Harris, Arlen and Vernon, he is survived by his loving family: his wife of 59 years, Phyllis; daughter, Debra and her husband, Paul; and sons, Bruce and Dale. He leaves behind his sisters, June Harvey of Clinton, Minnesota, Eileen Reiersgaard of Castro Valley, California, Ardyce Stevens and her husband, Bill of Mt. Airy, Maryland; brother, Grant and his wife, Karen of Clinton, Minnesota. Also surviving him are his beloved grandchildren: grandson and namesake, Benneth, and granddaughters, Dominoe, Lauren, Ariana, and Ilana; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was surrounded by an extended family that loved him and "Sunshine" will be deeply missed by Tina, Claudia, Alice and Sonnya. Throughout his long battle, his wife Phyllis was at his side and Ben faced his illness with courage and humor. The family wishes to thank those caregivers at Valley Pointe Nursing Home and Hayward Kaiser Hospital who helped to make Ben's last years comfortable. His ever-present smile and cheery disposition will be sorely missed by all.
Visitation with the family will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, April 17th at Chapel of the Chimes, 32992 Mission Blvd., Hayward. Services will be held on Tuesday, April 18th. Interment service will be held at Chapel of the Chimes at 11 a.m. with memorial service and reception at Faith Lutheran Church in Castro Valley beginning at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Faith Lutheran Church - Building Fund, 20080 Redwood Road, Castro Valley, CA.
Alameda Times-Star/Daily Review 4/16/06.
***********************************************************
This is my dad. I wanted to add something I read that was left for another soldier, because I know how much my dad would have agreed with it.
"A true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him."
Miss you, Dad - Deb
Brother:
Randolph Carlton Hagen
Nephew:
Dean Orville Reiersgaard
His father, Carl, was a strong and powerful man who owned his own steam thresher with which he made his living. His mother, Brithe Marie (Martinson), was a proud woman who raised 6 boys and 3 girls. Benneth Martinson Hagen born in Clinton, Minnesota on August 23, 1918, passed away on April 13, 2006 at the age of 87 after a long battle with cancer. Known to his friends and family as "Buddy" or "Ben", his last years were filled with pride and humor and despite his illness, he never lost his zest for life nor his love for his family.
Benneth entered the army on February 10, 1941 from the Minnesota National Guard. A Communications Sergeant in the 34th "Red Bull" Infantry Division, he landed in Africa in the first Allied assault. He served 37 months in the European Theater of Operations. Wounded and captured while on patrol in Italy, he spent 18 months as a prisoner-of-war in Germany. Liberated by the Russian Army, Sgt. Hagen made his way home to Minnesota and found that all five of his brothers had survived the war as well. He was honorably discharged on August 24, 1945. Upon his return from Europe, he laid down his weapons and began to build the life that he dreamed of while a POW. During his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman's Badge and four campaign ribbons. He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
A visit to Portland, Oregon to see his sister, Eileen turned into a longer stay and he started college on the G.I. Bill. While in Portland, he met Phyllis Ruth Baldwin on a blind date. They fell in love and were married April 25, 1947. Moving to California, Ben completed his accounting degree and after a short stint at General Motors in Oakland, became Production Planning Supervisor with Crown Zellerbach in San Leandro, a position that he held for over 30 years. Ben and Phyllis moved to Castro Valley in 1951 and there they raised three children, Debra, Bruce and Dale. The example set by both parents as avid readers, resulted in three children who also love reading. Summer vacations were spent with boxes of books from the library and on trips to the ocean where we enjoyed Buddy's famous beach dinners. A patient teacher, Ben taught his children carpentry and building skills. What today would be called creative problem-solving, was to Ben and Phyllis, simply making do with what you had and figuring out how to do whatever needed doing. Ben loved gardening, working with wood and improving their home and cabin.
Preceded in death by his brothers Randolph, Harris, Arlen and Vernon, he is survived by his loving family: his wife of 59 years, Phyllis; daughter, Debra and her husband, Paul; and sons, Bruce and Dale. He leaves behind his sisters, June Harvey of Clinton, Minnesota, Eileen Reiersgaard of Castro Valley, California, Ardyce Stevens and her husband, Bill of Mt. Airy, Maryland; brother, Grant and his wife, Karen of Clinton, Minnesota. Also surviving him are his beloved grandchildren: grandson and namesake, Benneth, and granddaughters, Dominoe, Lauren, Ariana, and Ilana; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was surrounded by an extended family that loved him and "Sunshine" will be deeply missed by Tina, Claudia, Alice and Sonnya. Throughout his long battle, his wife Phyllis was at his side and Ben faced his illness with courage and humor. The family wishes to thank those caregivers at Valley Pointe Nursing Home and Hayward Kaiser Hospital who helped to make Ben's last years comfortable. His ever-present smile and cheery disposition will be sorely missed by all.
Visitation with the family will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, April 17th at Chapel of the Chimes, 32992 Mission Blvd., Hayward. Services will be held on Tuesday, April 18th. Interment service will be held at Chapel of the Chimes at 11 a.m. with memorial service and reception at Faith Lutheran Church in Castro Valley beginning at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Faith Lutheran Church - Building Fund, 20080 Redwood Road, Castro Valley, CA.
Alameda Times-Star/Daily Review 4/16/06.
***********************************************************
This is my dad. I wanted to add something I read that was left for another soldier, because I know how much my dad would have agreed with it.
"A true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him."
Miss you, Dad - Deb
Brother:
Randolph Carlton Hagen
Nephew:
Dean Orville Reiersgaard
Inscription
Benneth Martinson Hagen
August 23, 1918 - April 13, 2006
Husband - Father - Grandfather
Soldier and Hero
