Frederick Henry (Fritz) Hagen was born on February 4th, 1928 in Atchison, Kansas, the son of Frederick William Hagen and Georgia Marie (Gearhart) Hagen. He died peacefully at home on January 18th, 2026 in Manhattan, Kansas.

After serving in Korea in World War II, Fritz attended St. Benedict’s College (now Benedictine) in Atchison and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. He taught high school history and coached the girls’ basketball team in Lillis, Kansas, and later entered the federal work force in the Social Security Administration. He married his wife, Darlene Fay (Artman) in Atchison on May 30th, 1959. He moved to Manhattan in 1969 with his family and became a faithful participant in the Catholic community at Seven Dolors parish. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, was president of the Seven Dolors-Luckey High School school board, and enjoyed following Notre Dame sports. He was an avid golfer all his life, and enjoyed walking and meeting with friends for coffee.

His family was his pride and joy. He is survived by his wife Darlene, daughters Elizabeth Paddock (Joel), Kathleen Gremillion (Michael), Mary Kelly, Gretchen Hagen-Gates (James), Bridget Shampton (Matthew), and Caroline Ellis (Jason); 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and his sisters Barbara Surritt and Rose Gerdes. Fritz was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Donald Hagen, and his son-in-law Christopher Kelly.

Visitation will be on Thursday, January 22nd at 6:30 p.m. followed by a vigil and rosary at 7:00 p.m. at the Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian burial will be on Friday, January 23rd at 10:30 a.m. at Seven Dolors Church. Private graveside services will be held at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at Fort Riley.