Thelma Hagen

Thelma Grotto Hagen was born in Milroy, MN on September 25, 1917 to Julia (Ellifson) and Maurice Grotto. At age 3, she moved with her family to Godahl where Maurice started the Nelson Cooperative Store. Thelma attended country schools and graduated from St. James High School in 1936. Thelma worked as a bookkeeper in St. Paul and Forest Market in Los Angles, CA. She married Howard Hagen on June 21, 1942 while Howard was stationed at Camp Roberts. Roger was born in 1944 prior to Howard's deployment to the European Theater. The Hagen's returned to St. James in 1945 at the close of WWII. Julie Ann was born in 1949. Thelma worked part time in the flower shop. Thelma was president of the Lin-Hans-Rud Branch of the Sons of Norway, First Lutheran Ladies Aide and VFW Aux. She attended district and national conventions for these organizations. She was part of numerous St. James social groups and clubs. Thelma was widowed in 1977 and moved to Stillwater in 2004 to be near Roger. Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings, Emma Wagner, Ernest Grotto, Jennie (Solberg) Hastert, Evelyn Olson, Myrtle Sletta and Norma Nelson. She is survived by her son Roger and Marjorie Hagen of Marine on St. Croix, daughter Julie and Mike Kassulke of Maple Lake, grandson Justin and Deanne Kassulke, great-grandson Landon Kassulke, grandson Jedrin and Christin, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins and many friends. Thelma will be remembered for her gregarious personality, quick wit, and love of God, family and friends. These gifts contribute to Thelma's ability to live life to the fullest.