Elvern D. Hageness, 80, of Pleasant Lake, ND, died Thursday, December 8, 2011 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.

Elvern was born  December 12, 1930 in Tufte Twp, rural Pleasant Lake, ND, to Melvin and Alice (Paulson) Hageness.  He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Rugby and attended Pleasant Lake grade school and Rugby High School.

Elvern farmed his entire life, as well as cared for his parents.  He married Shirley Larson Strand on December 30th, 1969.  He was a rural route mail carrier for 34 years and became a very well-known man of the community. He was always known to help out the people on the route and the kids would wait for his Tootsie Rolls.  He was a 25 year member of the Rugby Fraternal Order of Eagles.  He was also very involved in his children's activities – everything from Prom Usher to Bus Chaparone, and all the horse shows, plays, programs and basketball games in between.  He was always a mentor for the younger farm neighbors as he had "been through and seen it all" over his years in the industry. He was the man behind the scenes of the recent Pleasant Lake Reunion, including the church renovation.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Shirley of Pleasant Lake;  children:  Ivan Strand of Munds Park, AZ,  Kathy (Phillip) Schmidt of Gilbert, AZ,  Bonnie Strand of Pleasant Lake,  Elaine (Lee) Hornaday of Minot,  Patrick Hageness of Pleasant Lake,  Patricia Slaubaugh of Steele, ND and Margaret Hageness of Devils Lake; 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren;  a brother:  Hartley (Jordy) Hageness of Rugby;  a sister:  Sharon (Dennis) Voeller of Rugby;  a sister-in-law:  Donna Hageness of Rolette; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Alice Hageness;  a son:  Donald Strand;  a brother:  Harlow Hageness and a daughter-in-law:  Kimberly Strand.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 13th, 2011, 2:00 PM at First Lutheran Church in Rugby with Pastor Brenda Burns officiating.  Burial will be in the Knox Lutheran Cemetery.  Visitation will be Tuesday at the church from noon until the time of service.  Casket bearers will be:  Jason Hageness, Todd Hageness, Tim Stone, Virgil Lemar, Lawrence Mattern, and Clayton VanderLinden.  Music will be from Eldon Borgen, Carol Braaten and Arlene Johnson, vocalists with Carol Braaten, organist.



Condolences:

You have my condolence on the lost of Elvern. I will keep him and his family in prayers.  Your's truly, Deacon Emery Mears:



Shirley,  My sincerest codolences to you regarding Elverne's passing.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  God is walking with you.  Cathy Halvorson



Margaret and family!  I am so sorry for your loss.  I just now found out and am so terribly sorry.  The loss of a parent is not easy.  Keep all your fond memories close to your heart as they will place a smile (and tears of joy) on your face.  He was a great man!  Love, prayers and my deepest sympathy to you!  Patti Jo



To the Elvern Hageness Family; Elvern and his family were such an important part of the Pleasant Lake community while I was growing up there.  Elvern subbed for my father on the rural mail route, often helped move our cattle from summer to winter pastures or visa versa, and was always glad to stop for a visit.  A grand neighbor and family friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all now as you send Elvern to heaven.     Patty Hartman Bakken