Helen Hagen

helen hagen

Helen Hagen, 91, passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2013, surrounded by her family and the caring staff on second floor at Rosewood on Broadway in Fargo and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Helen Luella Clara Sonsteng was born on February 27, 1922 in Wolf Pointe, MT, the daughter of Arnold and Clara (Huseby) Sonsteng. Her mother passed away three days after she was born. Helen was raised by her great aunt, Helene Christiansen Hafstad in the Rollag, MN area. She received her schooling at District 14 country school near Rollag. In her early years, Helen worked in the Pelican Rapids area.   Helen was united in marriage to Albin Hagen on June 1, 1941. They made their home in Moorhead for many years where they raised their family.   There was always a little one in her lap, and treats in the cupboard.  Helen also worked outside the home at de Lendrecies in Fargo, Dakota Hospital, Concordia Food Service, and for many years worked well into her 80’s with her family at FM Flooring.  Her most favorite job was being mom - spending time with her children, grandchildren, and most recently her great grandchildren.  She enjoyed all of her grandkids and great-grandkids, rocking and singing or yodeling to them, and always had an abundant supply of cookies.

Due to health concerns, Helen moved to Eventide in 2007 and had made her home more recently at Rosewood on Broadway in Fargo.

Helen is survived by her children, Duane (Judy) Hagen of Fargo; Ron (Sandy) Hagen of Middleton, WI; Curt (Mary) Hagen of Fargo; Janice (Harlyn) Ault of Moorhead; Sharol (Chuck) Rydquist of Maple Grove, MN; Patty (Lynn) Brosowske of Moorhead; Steve (Shelley) Hagen of Moorhead; and Mike (Gail) Hagen of Moorhead; 20 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings, Stanley Sonsteng and Douglas Sonsteng of Montana; and Arlene Decker of New Mexico; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Albin in 1978; her granddaughter, Mary Ann; and great granddaughter, Ella Grace.

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  1. She was a Beautiful Person inside and out. Our hearts go out to your family this Holiday Seasons. Treasure those memories.

  2. Lisbon ND
    Helen was a very kind and caring lady who was always willing to share a cup of coffee and her home with others. Her special gift of hospitality will always be remembered and appreciated. It was always a special Sunday when Albin and Helen drove into the yard with all the children. We would run out of the house to greet them we were so excited to see them. You have my sympathy in the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. Carol Hagen Odegaard

  3. Minneapolis MN
    .So sorry to hear of Aunt Helen’s passing. She was a nice lady. Whenever I cam over to see the family at her home in Moorhead, she always made me feel like part of the family and she always made a special attempt to talk to me whenever are paths met which I will miss dearly.
    My prayers are with all of you and I hope to see my cousins in the near future.
    Clinton and Ellen Hagen’s daughter, Margie (Margaret)

  4. Fargo ND
    To Helen’s beloved family – she was such a dear lady and I loved all the visits we ever had. She prayed for all of you all the time – never just a blanket prayer for her family but for each of you by name. When I think of her that is a lesson in life I will hold in my heart. God bless each of you and I know she will continue praying for all of you from heaven above.

  5. mesa azduane, judy and family,
    so sorry to read about duane’s mother’s passing. our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
    matt & sharon wolf

  6. Santa Fe NMHello…. Helen was my Aunt, sister to my Mother Arlene Decker. Mom loved her dearly and on behalf of all of the New Mexico extended family, we send our love to Aunt Helen’s family.

    Distance makes it hard to know all the extended family, but please know our hearts hurt with yours and we are sending love over the miles and praying for the Lord to heal all broken and sad hearts.

  7. Moorhead Minnesota
    Steve & Family, So sorry to hear of your mother/grandmother’s passing. Love the picture of her…just like I remember her…Blessing to all of you during this sad time. Angie (formerly Van Raden)

  8. Great Falls MTEven though my heart is aching, I am also rejoicing for the wonderful memories I have of my special cousin, Helen. She was truly one of a kind and I was certainly blessed to be able to share deep conversations along with wild and wacky ones – not to mention the hospitality she showed me and later my family on numerous occasions. Oh, how we enjoyed the road trips that we took! When I taught in Halstad and came to sleep on your sofa many weekends – always being greeted by toddler, Mike, running to the house yelling, ‘Ma, Karyl’s home!’ – I have always been treated as family. I will miss her and cherish each of you kids who have been fortunate to call her “Ma”.

  9. Barnesville MN
    So sorry to hear of cousin Helen’s passing. I’ve been thinking about her a lot lately. My prayers are with you at this time.

  10. Olympia WACousin Helen was always and will always be special to me. When we would visit from Montana or when we lived in Moorhead, there was always time for coffee and goodies at her table! When we lived in Moorhead and had our Kirsten, I always knew that Helen was just a quick phone call away to give me parenting advice and I so appreciated it! Will love her always! My love and sympathy go to her entire family in the loss of their mother/grandmother. She was a great lady!

  11. Fort Wayne INI have fond memories of visiting Helen at her home during my Concordia days and in the years since with my family. She had a wonderful spirit and will be missed! Visits to Moorhead won’t be the same!


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