Donald Lawrence Hagberg

Donald ("Donnie") Lawrence Hagberg, born August 22, 1931, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2023, at the age of 92.

Donnie came from a very large family.  He is preceded in death by his beautiful wife Patricia Sue, who he always referred to as his "Bride"; parents Elmer Harry and Elizabeth M. Hagberg; brothers and sisters Evelyne (Brad), Bernice (Bud), Margie (Milt), Phyllis (Did), Buddy (Eleanor), Moe (Irmie), Betty, Robby (Terry), Edward, Eugene "Nootzie", Russell (Deb); nieces and nephews Dennis, Nancy, Kitty, and Johnny; Grandson Jacob; brother-in-law Bill and sister-in-law Sheryl.

Donnie is survived by his sister, Jackie; children Barbi (Mike) and Donald Lawrence Hagberg II (Chic). He was a wonderful Papa and Grandpa to Jenny (Jess), Nikki (Cody), Kaile, Madesyn, Mikey (Amy), Jessica (Timmy), Tim, Joe, James (Jen), Shelby, Ryan (Sutheree); great-grandchildren Dylan, Galytea (Ben), Landon, Lydia, Evalynn (his “Emily”), Emersyn and Elena; sister-in-law Jeanie; and many loving nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends whom he adored.

Donnie attended school at Ascension in Minneapolis from Kindergarten thru the 8th grade.  After leaving school, Donnie learned his trades and the Hagberg boys worked together in roofing, sewer and water, renovation, demolition and construction.  He bought his first home in Mound, Minnesota, later moving to Northeast Minneapolis and eventually settling in Columbia Heights where he and his Bride bought their retirement home.  After his retirement, Donnie continued to work with his son and crew and lovingly earned the nickname “OT” (Old Timer).  He was 40+ years older than the crew, and worked as hard and diligent as they did.  His superb work ethic was hard to match.  He never missed a day of work and was always up before the crack of dawn because he "had to pay the fiddler.”

Donnie loved fishing, camping, bonfires, grilling and family get-togethers.  He also loved get-aways to Barbi's farm where he would spend weekends working on buildings, cutting trees or branches and building fires - it was truly one of his happy places. Donnie was extremely sociable and could hold a conversation with anyone he met. He remembered everybody, even if he struggled with your name later in life, he had a story about you.  He was an avid Twins fan and enjoyed sports and NASCAR.  Despite his 8th grade education, he had great knowledge of history, politics and current affairs.  He was very intelligent and was found to be a good match for Jeopardy contestants.  He enjoyed watching game shows with his children and grandchildren and continued to challenge the contestants until his last days.

Donnie was very set in his ways - determined, stubborn and protective, but always loving.  He was always there if you needed him and would offer words of advice and have true to heart talks where he shared his opinions, thoughts and life experiences. Donnie was a man of integrity.  He took great pride in himself and he was always very proud of his children and his family.

It is difficult to sum up 92 years of a strong-willed man who loved life, worked hard, adored his family, loved music, dancing,  traveling, and was truly the life of the party.  He was the king of one-liners and always had a quick comeback (which his Son inherited from him), and he would laugh as hard and loud as those around him when he made a joke. His energy and smile could fill the room and his wit and humor were unmeasurable -- you never knew what was going to come out of his mouth or what he was going to do.

Donnie fought a hard battle with heart failure, kidney failure and vascular disease.  But he never gave up, and was still dancing at 92.  His will to live was as strong as his love of life and family.  

Our hearts hurt and it is difficult to imagine our lives without him.  He will be deeply missed.

Donnie's Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on January 6, 2023, at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Highway 65 NE, Fridley, Minnesota.  Service will be at 11:00 a.m. with interment following at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens, 5100 Douglas Dr. N, Crystal.  All attending the interment will meet at the Main entrance to the cemetery (Douglas Drive) prior to going to the gravesite.  Those not wanting to attend the committal service may go to the Celebration of Life, which will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Fridley American Legion, 7365 Central Ave NE, Fridley, MN 55432 and wait for the family to join them.    

Donnie's family wishes to extend their gratitude and appreciation to all of the heart, kidney and vascular doctors and staff at the Mayo Clinic and Mercy Hospital for their exceptional care and medical attention to Donnie.