CLARENCE F. HAGEMAN

Clarence F. Hageman, 80, of Fort Atkinson, passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2000, at Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital in Decorah, the result of cancer.
Funeral services were held Saturday, July 29, at St. John's Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson. Burial followed in St. John's Cemetery, also in Fort Atkinson, with full military rites by the American Legion-VFW. Chekal Funeral Home of Fort Atkinson handled funeral arrangements.
Clarence was born Oct. 7, 1919, in Fort Atkinson. He attended St. John's Nepomucene Catholic School.
Sept. 15, 1947, Clarence married Elsie Geling at St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church in Ossian. Of their union, six children were born.
Clarence was honored to serve in World War II with Battery D 166th AAA Gun Battilion. Clarence worked as a mechanic for Croatt Implement in Fort Atkinson, John Deere Implement in Decorah, and Schmitt Implement in Fort Atkinson. He retired in 1981 after 40 years of employment.
Clarence was a member of St. John's Catholic Church, where he was an active member. He was also involved in the American Legion-VFW, senior citizens center, and served on the volunteer fire department.
Clarence, known for his gardening skills, was nicknamed the "Tulip Man" of Fort Atkinson. He enjoyed woodworking and could fix nearly anything. He was known for his many kind acts to his children, grandchildren, neighbors and friends.
Survivors include five children, Jean (Ed) Ebert of Waverly, Ann (Craig) Steege of Crystal Lake, IL, Jeff Hageman of Fredericksburg; Gail (Dean) Lansing of Waukon, and Lisa (Wayne) Gilster of Decorah; ten grandchildren, Adam and Andy Ebert, Jenna and Eden Steege, Julie, Katie, Jessa and Liza Lansing, and Crystal and Joshua Rauk; one sister, Cornelia Bina of Spillville; and many caring nieces and nephews.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elsie, who passed away March 11, 1999; one daughter, Julie, who died in infancy; and two brothers, Virgil and Charles, who also died in infancy.