Ronald Charles Hagen passed away Sunday, May 14, 2023 after a brief illness in Sacramento, California, with his wife and daughter at his side. He was 74.

Ron was born on July 20, 1948, in Waukegan, Illinois, to George and Bea Hagen. The youngest of four children, he grew up with his older siblings teaching him life lessons. Ron’s Mom passed on a great sense of humor and enthusiasm for family fun. Ron’s Dad encouraged his love of fishing and endless interest in electronics. Graduating from Southern Illinois University in 1968 with a degree in electrical engineering technology, he worked as a senior engineering associate at Underwriters Laboratories for 45 years. He retired from UL in 2013.

On July 18, 1970, Ron married Nikki Walden, his high school sweetheart and love of his life. Together, they raised four children. Family was at the center of Ron’s life. He planned many family adventures, always making treasured memories along the way. Ron loved building and fixing things, instilling the value of hard work. He taught his children and grandchildren to have fun, laugh together, and celebrate life.

Ron’s nickname was Rhino. He embodied the spirit of this animal - unafraid of obstacles with a thick skin, strong will, and a huge heart. His steady encouraging presence in his family’s life will never be forgotten.

Hosting parties for family, friends and coworkers was important to Ron. The house was always open for celebrations with music, games, drinks and delicious food (including his famous Rhino Dip and Lithuanian dishes). He was often called the Social Director at work planning numerous picnics in the park and the famous yearly Rhino Roll-Off Bowling tournament.

Ron was a world traveler, frequently traveling overseas for work, and also to visit far-reaching destinations with Nikki. He took his family on many trips, big and small, on the road and in planes. It didn’t matter where they were going, his family looked forward to every single family vacation. Ron also enjoyed boating and fishing, especially on Lake Michigan, in Arkansas and Ontario, Canada. His love of travel and exploration will be carried on by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Ron will be deeply missed by his wife, Nikki, his four children, Heather (Chris) Grant, Erin (Christian Lopez) Hagen, Chris (Emily Spear) Hagen, and Kevin (Kari) Hagen as well as eight grandchildren, Maia, Elena, Emmett, Finnley, Owen, Kai, William and Chloe. He is also survived by his sister Georgia (Bob) Norbutas of Los Gatos, CA, and many extended family and God Children. He was predeceased by his parents Bernice and George Hagen, sister Arlene Pluta, and brother Donald Hagen.

A celebration of life for Ron is planned for Monday, July 3, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Church, St Brigid’s Parish, 15000 Wadsworth Road in Wadsworth, IL, with visitation beginning at 9 am and a memorial service following at 10 am. The burial will follow at Milburn Cemetery, 18577 W. Millburn Road, Old Mill Creek, Illinois.

Memories can be contributed to Ron’s Legacy Book at Legacy.com

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