The community of Forest City, Iowa, is mourning the loss of a beloved member, Rebecca “Becky” Hagen, who passed away peacefully at the age of 71, surrounded by her family on February 25, 2025. Becky’s impact on her community and loved ones will be honored at a funeral service on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Forest City, with Pastor Eric Weaver leading the service. The burial will follow at Madison Township Cemetery.
A Life Well-Lived
Becky’s journey began on August 30, 1953, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, where she was born to Ralph and Patricia Dahlen. She grew up in the close-knit community of Lake Mills, Iowa, and graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1971. Following her graduation, she pursued her passion for healthcare by completing nurses training at NIACC in Mason City, Iowa.
In July of 1973, Becky married Ron Hagen at Bethany Lutheran Church in Joice, Iowa. Together, they built a life centered around family, community, and service. Becky’s career as a nurse at Lutheran Retirement Home in Northwood, Iowa, and later at the Mayo Clinic Health System in Lake Mills, spanned several decades until her retirement in 2013. Her dedication to her patients and her gentle, compassionate demeanor left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
A Legacy of Love and Faith
Becky’s legacy extends beyond her professional accomplishments. In 1977, she welcomed her son Brian, followed by her daughter Allison in 1981. The Hagen family found joy and fulfillment living in Joice, Iowa, actively participating in the Lake Mills community. In 2004, Ron and Becky relocated to Forest City, Iowa, where they embraced their retirement years with open hearts and grateful spirits.
Known for her love of gardening, birdwatching, travel, and unwavering faith, Becky’s life was a testament to kindness, generosity, and gratitude. Her devotion to her grandson, Palmer, brought her immense joy, and her role as “Ahma” was cherished by all who knew her.
Throughout her life, Becky’s unwavering faith in God and her commitment to serving others set her apart. A dedicated member of the First Baptist Church in Forest City, she was known for her fervent prayers and selfless acts of kindness. Even in the face of her own health challenges, Becky always prioritized the well-being of those around her, embodying the true spirit of compassion and empathy.
Becky is survived by her loving husband Ron, her children Brian and Allison, daughter-in-law Jamie, grandson Palmer, and a large extended family who will carry on her legacy of love and faith. While her passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, her memory will live on through the lives she touched and the lessons she imparted.
As the community comes together to celebrate Becky’s life and honor her memory, her spirit of kindness, resilience, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire all those who were fortunate enough to know her. In the words of Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Becky Hagen’s legacy of love and compassion will forever be etched in the hearts of those who were blessed to have her in their lives.
