Gordon J. Hage, 68 passed away peacefully at home on April 20, 2021 from health complications over the past year with family by his side.
Gordon was born in Lewistown to John and Nina Hage on November 3, 1952. He was raised on a ranch in the Lewistown area with one brother and 3 sisters. He loved the ranch life, so many good memories of the years he spent there. He graduated from Fergus County High School and attended college at Montana State University. He graduated from the Montana Highway Patrol Academy in June 1976 to begin his career as a Highway Patrolman. Unfortunately, he was injured in June 1978 while driving to investigate an accident and his career as a State Trooper ended. Despite his injuries, he continued working with the State of Montana in Helena in various positions for the Department of Justice. He valued all the friendships made over the 25 years working for the State of Montana.
In the summer of 1976, he married Karen (Slezak) and 44 years of wonderful memories began. He was able to take Karen to many places through the conferences he attended for the State of Montana. Gordon and Karen had 6 canine companions throughout their married life which a forever bond was formed with each of them. The last few years were spent traveling in their camper. Gordon created a journal “Aspen Trail” after each trip which will be cherished.
Gordon had many adventures in living life to the fullest. He and his friend, Ward, looked forward to hunting every year for many seasons. He loved woodworking and created many beautiful gifts for family and friends. Gordon participated in sports with wheelchair racing and basketball. His love for sports ranged from watching local high school sporting events to watching his favorite football team, Green Bay Packers.
Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, John Hage and Nina Hage, sister Sherry Johnson, and father-in-law Sam Slezak. Jr.
Gordon is survived by his wife, Karen; his brother, Dave (Nettie) Hage; his sister Vickey (David) Johnson; and his sister Nancy (Steve) Mattheis. Also surviving Gordon are his mother-in-law, Mabel, sister-in-law, Arline(Craig); brothers-in-law: Dennis(Sheila), James(Julie), and Wayne(Michelle), and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
Private services have been held. Memorials may be sent to the Montana Hope Project at P.O. 5927 Helena, MT 59604 or the Lewis and Clark Humane Society at 2112 E Custer Ave. Helena, MT 59602
We would like to give special thanks and appreciation to St Peter’s Home Health nurses for their wonderful care and to St Peter’s Hospice for their support.
“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty & well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out & proclaiming “WOW WHAT A RIDE!”
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Rick Lueck says
R.I.P. MY friend, we will miss you! I admired your ideals and considered you a good friend!
Denny Moreen says
Sorry to hear that Gordon has died. A fine fellow. I was proud to work with him.
Denny Moreen
Michael Glueckert says
So sorry about Gordon passing. He was a great kind person a awesome athlete a example to myself and everyone. I didn’t know Gordon very well but his spirit and strength left a lifetime impression. Rest in peace Gordy well run a marathon together again. Again so sorry to his loved ones.
Mike Tooley says
I’m very sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing.
Gordon was a good man. He was a great leader and someone younger folks in law enforcement could look up to. If you ever met Gordon, you came away a better person from the experience.
It was my good fortune to work with him at the Department of Justice and also on the Law Enforcement Torch Run. He was a genuinely good and caring person that will be missed. Blessings to his loved ones.
Reed Scott says
Gordon, You Will Be Missed By Many. Thanks for all the good times, my friend.
Reed
Lauren and Mark Murphy says
Karen,
We were so sorry to read about Gordon in the paper today. What a great guy! He will be missed by many but especially you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Lauren and Mark
Pat Jense says
I’m very sorry for your loss. I knew Gordon many many years ago. We were involved in 4-H together as young teenagers. We traveled together as Ambassadors to Canada on an exchange program. Gordon was always a consummate gentleman to work with. He was funny, kind and intelligent and handsome! His Mom and my Dad were classmates at Fergus High and enjoy visiting when Gordon and I shared 4-H activities. Again, my condolences.
Donya (Boettcher) Parrish says
Karen,
Gordy was a wonderful guy and always had a smile. He will be missed and know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Donya
jeff and melissa sherlock says
Sorry to hear about Gordon’s passing. I ran into him several times in court and he was a delightful person as well as very good at his job. Peace to his family.
Jimmy Weg says
He was a great guy and a superb Agent. I always was proud to have hired him! he did an excellent job, and kept up with, or exceeded the requirements to be a first-rate agent.
Mike Swingley says
I had a deep admiration for Gordon. He was an all around gentlemen and will be missed. I worked with Gordon when I was an MHP Trooper. He was a good cop! The citizens were lucky to have Gordon serving them.
Respectfully,
Mike Swingley
karyl williams says
4545 valley dr
Shari McDonald says
Karen, my heart was broken when I read about Gordon. So many memories of our times in Forest Park.
Jennifer, Brian and I send our love and prayers to you.
karyl williams says
So sorry to hear Gordon has passed . I know he is with the Lord. I worked with him at the department of Justice for many years and thoroughly enjoyed his good nature and humor . Karen you were definitely his angel. Take care.
With much sorrow Karyl Williams
Allen Lorenz says
So sad to read of Gordon’s passing. We had many morning coffee visits at the office before we started our day. He was a really good person and friend. He will be missed by many. Goodbye friend.
Jim Scheier says
Gordon was my co-worker and friend at DOJ for a number of years. He was a great guy, and I will miss his good humor and his friendship. Karen, our thoughts are with you.
Dianna Miller Sternberg says
I was truly honored to know and work with Gordon. He was a man of principle, funny and kind. Prayers for his loved ones, for peace and comfort. Gordon was one of a kind…and he made the BEST chocolate cake on the entire planet!!
leon belville says
I’m very sorry to learn of Gordons passing. I first met him while we were attending MHP Academy Gordon was one of my room mates. He was a very happy go lucky person, and I’m very glad I had to opportunity to know him. Karen my thoughts are with you. God Bless.
Donna Mix says
I worked with Gordon for many years at the Dept. of Justice. A multi-talented man who never complained, Gordon set an example for all of us with his sense of humor, perennial good spirits, and professionalism. Karen, I’m sending prayers for your peace and serenity.
Laura Hughes says
Karen & family,
We are so sad to learn of Gordy’s passing. He was such a fine man and a pleasure to work with and learn from. He was a dedicated and respected investigator…. and a fantastic chef and storyteller! He will be missed by many. Rest In Peace, Gordy.
Laura & Alan Hughes
John Strandell says
Karen and Family,
It was sad to hear of Gordon’s passing, he was a good man, and a exceptional and dedicated peace officer and leader. It was my good fortune to had the opportunity to work with Gordon at the Department of Justice DCI. He will be missed, Rest In Peace Gordon.
John Strandell
Nancy Hage Mattheis says
What a great brother you were!! So many memories have been entering my mind these last few days. I so admired everything you accomplished and for all you and Karen have been through! So much talent and such a hard worker, you created beautiful things!! I will miss you so much! Peace be with you now my precious brother and peace be with my sister-in-law, Karen. Watch over Karen and I will do my best to watch over her too! Proud to call you brother & friend! I will always love you!
Steve & Laura Barry says
May God Bless Gordy and all your family Karen. Gordy was an inspiration for me and many! He had an infectious smile and was a great story teller. I enjoyed working with him during my MHP and DOJ service and always looked forward to sharing a cup of coffee and getting caught up on “business.” He was a caring and true man of service to those he encountered in the ups and downs of life’s journey. May our Lord bring you and all your family peace and joy as you remember and recount the stories and life experiences you shared together.
Steve & Laura Barry
Karen McMillan says
Joe and I both send our prayers to you, Karen. Gordon was such a positive and uplifting man. I never saw him without a smile! I ran into him so many times at the grocery store and we always had such great talks. He was an amazing man! He’ll be missed by everyone he has ever come in contact with.
Doc Elder says
This old world could always use a few more like Gordie Hage. Godspeed, my friend.
Al Tompkins says
I’m sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. We got acquainted when I worked for the MHP’s Driver Licensing System (way back when). Gordon was one of the most positive and inspirational people I’ve known. We didn’t meet often since those days but he was always the same congenial guy. May God bless Gordon and your family, Karen.
Garry Hefty says
Gordon was a great cousin, remember driving with him hunting gophers when I was a little guy, he drove so fast he scared the heck out of me….
Connie and Jim says
Although we haven’t spent time with Gordon since High School, we will always remember him as a fun loving, kind, sweet guy. There will be a void now that he is gone. Our thoughts are with his wife and the rest of the family. Always remember those precious memories.
Jim Daniels and Connie Hyde
Dutch Meyer says
I shared an office with Gordon at headquarters in the Scott Hart Building. We had a lot of fun and stories galore. He was a good guy in more ways than one for sure. I always looked forward to getting to work and visiting with him. May God Bless you Gordy… we will meet again.
Jeanine McGuire says
Very sad to hear of Gordon’s passing! I worked at Albertsons and always loved seeing Gordon enter the store with his big smile and friendly conversation. He was a ray of sunshine and will be missed!
Rick Schmauch says
Feeling the loss of a friend and a true inspiration. I was honored to have him as a classmate in the MHP academy! He was a true gentleman that always set an example for others to follow on the path to success! We shared a common thought: “You’ve only got three choices in life: Give up, give in, or give it all you’ve got.” He always gave it all he had! See you again one day my friend!
Clyde and Eileen Lindell says
Karen
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Gordy’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with Gordy and catching up on MHP/DOJ news. Gordy was a great inspiration and example, he will be missed by many. Our sympathy to you and your family.
Bryan Adams says
Gordy was one of my mentors and trainers when I was a cadet for the MHP from 1984 to1985. His positive nature and never give up attitude helped set me on a course to a successful 26 year law enforcement career. Thanks, Gordy. You will be greatly missed.
Kelly Mantooth says
Sometimes, when you first meet someone, you realize this is a special person. Gordy was one of those. He gave such sage advice to us young troopers.He was one of those or you could just sit and visit and listen.
Connie Campbell Winner says
Karen, I am so sorry to hear about Gordon. I worked with him for many years at DOJ and enjoyed his sense of humor. After moving away for awhile, I didn’t get a chance to see him in quite some time but I remember him with such good memories. I’m sorry for your loss.
Mary Ellen McDonald says
Karen, my heart is aching for you. I had no idea that Gordon was Ill and until just now Seeing his obituary in the paper I didn’t know that he has passed away. I’m heat sick for your loss. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.
Henry Devereaux says
Gordon was the first person I worked with when I started with the Highway Patrol as a cadet, he gave the best advice about the patrol. He always made you feel at ease when working with him. He will be greatly missed
Paul Grimstad says
I, like many who have told their stories about Gordy, first worked with him at HQ doing accident report reviews in the early 80’s. He was full of valuable information about being a trooper and gave me much insight into the job of a law enforcement officer. He always had an infectious smile and many times you knew he was up to no good (that would be in a good way) when you talked to him! He would always take the time to listen to you and give you the lowdown as he saw it, which was spot on! I interacted with him throughout my career in the Patrol and considered him a valuable friend and mentor. He will be truly missed. Thoughts to his family and many friends, during this trying time!
Carl Nelson says
R>I>P My friend Gordy, I met Gordy while we were freshmen at MSP. after that year we went different ways but the friendship was forever. Gordy and I would play catch up on his visits to Montana State Prison when he was with the AG’s office and I was working at MSP. I will always cherish our relationship, at he taught me alot about life and what it has to offer all. I will miss you dearly