Emily Hagedon

Emily Marie Hagedon, 82, of Lamberton, Minnesota, passed away Friday April 22, 2022 at North Memorial Hospital in Robinsdale, Minn. from complications following a stroke.

Emily was born April 9, 1940 in Redwood, Minn. to Ulrich and Hulda Mentjes.  She was raised on the family farm south of Revere, Minn. with her three brothers: Loren, Gary and Conrad. Together, they worked on and enjoyed the family farm.

Emily graduated a year early from Walnut Grove High School, in 1957, as valedictorian and as a member of the honor society. She continued her education at Minnesota State University, Mankato (MNSU-Mankato), formerly known as Mankato State College. Emily graduated in 1960, at the age of 20, with a BS in English - completing a 4-year program within 3 years. She was a student employee with Residential Life during the 58-59 academic year and a member of Lutheran Campus Ministry. She had obtained a lifetime teaching certificate in English and History along with a 25-year teaching certificate in Art. Additionally, Emily attended graduate classes at MNSU-Mankato, Southwest State University, and Hamline University while working as a fulltime teacher.

Emily taught more than 30 years in various schools in southwestern Minnesota including: Tracy, Mazeppa, Bird Island, Blue Earth, and Walnut Grove. She taught a variety of subjects including English, History, and Art. Emily enjoyed education and positively impacted multiple lives through her years in the school system. She had a passion for learning and imparted that passion to many students.

While attending college at MNSU-Mankato, Emily met Fred Sorensen and they married in Redwood, Minn. June 23, 1962. Emily and Fred were blessed with 2 children. Jens Eric Sorensen was born on June 25, 1969 (in St. Paul) and Tate Fredrick Sorensen on May 26, 1972 (in St. Paul). Tragically, Fred passed away on February 27, 1974. They had been married 11 years.

On October 11, 1975, Emily married Duane Hagedon in Cottonwood, Minn. They moved to Sioux City, Iowa where Dirk Wilhelm Hagedon was born on January 16, 1977. After divorce was finalized in 1978, Emily moved back to her farmstead near Revere/Lamberton with her 3 sons to be near her beloved parents, family and friends.

After multiple years of farm living, Emily moved into Lamberton in 1994.

Emily was a part of many organizations and helped organize the Word Alone Network and Lutheran Congregation in Mission for Christ (LCMC). She helped create the Epiphany District within the LCMC to create and distribute educational material. Emily participated as a board member of Beyond the River Academy (BTRA) for more than 10 years. BTRA was a digital house of learning for pastors training pastors.

Emily was involved with Project Future and the Lamberton Historical Society where she assisted with creating the Antique Shoppe and Craft Store, the Lamberton Community Celebration and multiple class reunions, the Blacksmith Shop and Hot Iron Days, and the annual sale of flowers to support Project Future. Emily invested numerous hours and other resources in these endeavors.

In the last few months of her life Emily enjoyed going to church, being involved with the local antique store, volunteering with the Lamberton Historical Society and spending time with her family and other loved ones.

Emily is survived by brothers Loren Mentjes, Gary Mentjes and Conrad Mentjes. She is also survived by son, Jens Sorensen and his partner Tisha Swart-Entwistle of Lansing, Kan.; son, Tate Sorensen and his wife Monica Sorensen of Kansas City, Mo.; son Dirk Hagedon and his partner Nichole Shell of Osakis, Minn. Emily is also survived by her grandchildren Zac Sorensen, Jenna Meirath, Cody Sorensen, Dillon Sorensen, Hayden Sorensen, Taylor Sorensen, Paige Sorensen, Hailey Hagedon and Tyson Hagedon.

Emily was preceded in death by her parents Ulrich and Hulda Mentjes and spouses Fred Sorensen and Duane Hagedon.