On the afternoon of May 29, 2013, Melvin Selmer Hagen, 85, joined his wife Charlotte Anne Ohman Hagen in heaven.
Melvin was born May13 (Mother’s Day), 1928, in Carpio, North Dakota to Ditlof Bernhoff Hagen and Anna Kristina Hauberg Hagen. He was the 11th child born to them, he eventually had 13 siblings. The family moved to Henning, Minnesota when he was 7 months old and eventually grew to 3 girls and 11 boys. He attended country school, Ottertail County #234 through the 8th grade. In May 1945 he joined 7 other brothers in the Armed Forces during World War II by joining the Army and serving in the 800th Military Police in Japan. He served until December 1947 when he returned to Henning. His younger twin brothers introduced him to Charlotte, their school teacher, who became the love of his life. They were married on September 3, 1948, and spent 64 years together as best friends and devoted husband and wife.
The happy couple moved to Wadena, Minnesota where Melvin worked for Stunebeck Ford Garage. Their first son Wayne Allen was born in Wadena. In August of 1949 they moved to East Helena, Montana, where Melvin started working at the American Smelting and Refining Company’s smelter. In the next few years Steven Douglas and Craig Melvin were born. As the boys were growing, up the family enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and many other family activities. They moved into Helena in 1968 and lived there until their retirement.
Melvin and Charlotte built their log cabin in the woods of Lincoln in 1974. This was their dream and they lived it. They enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, four wheeling, playing holy board and potlucks with their many friends, most of all, they enjoyed snowmobiling. The sign on the back door said, “If we’re not at home, check the trails.” Melvin retired from the smelter in 1986 and remodeled the cabin for their permanent home when Charlotte retired in 1988. They have spent the last 25 years enjoying each other and their life in Lincoln. They were especially active in the Ponderosa Snow Warriors Snowmobile Club and were selected as the Montana Snowmobile Association Family of the year in 2006. They especially enjoyed visits from friends, relatives, children, and grandchildren. Outside the door to the cabin is a sign that says “You are a stranger here but once.” To all who visited it seemed like the most welcoming place on Earth as well as the most beautiful.
After Charlotte passed in February Melvin was heartbroken. Missing his lifelong love and companion he looked forward to the time when he could be with her again. Their life and love will always be entwined in our hearts and memories. Besides Charlotte, Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, 9 brothers, 2 sisters, and grandchildren Ruben and John. Survivors include his older brother, Eldor (91) and sister, Judy (87); son, Wayne (Judy) and his children Jimmi, Joy, and Joe; son, Steven (Liz) and his children Lydia, Kevin, Rachael and Dinell; and son, Craig and his children Melissa, Sonja, and Chad. Melvin and Charlotte’s grandchildren have given them the joy of 15 great-grandchildren.
Melvin never wanted a big fuss made of his passing preferring to be cremated and his ashes distributed on the mountains and trails he loved. But in the last week of his life he decided he wanted to be with Charlotte. He will be buried next to Charlotte in Sunset Memorial Gardens in a simple graveside ceremony on Tuesday, June 4 at 4:00 PM. A viewing will begin at 2:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A memorial will be held the first part of July in celebration of a man who was the quintessential Montana outdoorsman, a rugged, honest man who lived his life fully and well – Melvin Hagen. For information about the memorial call Wayne at 530-400-8882 or Craig at 406-362-4335.
In lieu of flowers the family will be accepting memorials which they will distribute to Melvin’s charities of choice. Memorials can be mailed to P.O. Box 425, Lincoln, MT 59639. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Melvin, please visit below to offer condolences to the family.
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday June 4, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday June 4, 2013
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday June 4, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday June 4, 2013
Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery
7100 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Mel Korinek says
We were always M&M. Mel and Mel. Now the M&M is one short. I can’t say enough about how God brought us back together after so many years nor about how Grandpa could light up a room with his smile. He will be greatly missed but always loved!
Joyce & Gerry Malek says
So very sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. He will be missed by many. Melvin & Charlotte were an inspiration to us all. They are together again for eternity.
Pastor Guy Youngblood says
In life I have been blessed with knowing many wonderful people, but Mel and Char were near the top of the list. Hospitality was synonymous with their “cabin”, but a shadow was there since Char’s journey to her eternal reward. Although our lives are diminished with Mel’s passing, we can rejoice in our memories and in the knowledge of his unending reunion with those he loved.
Carol Christensen says
I have loved Chaarlotte and Melvin for over 40 years. I will miss them, but I will always have
them in my memories and close to my heart. All the years of snowmobiling, picnics,
potlucks, firewood cutting excursions and hunting trips, are the best memories of all of our lives in the mountains of Lincoln,Mt.
Kristi Doggett Gersch says
Wayne, Steve and Craig,
I was sorry to hear about your dad passing so close to your mom’s death but then thought of my own parents and how close my mom followed my dad as they needed to be together as did your folks. Now they are all together. I have many fond memories of your dad. He always had a twinkle in his eye! I wish you peace with his passing and with the knowledge that they are together and watching you, your children and grandchildren.
Mary K & Mike Hagen says
Wayne, Steve and Craig,
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Melvin, but happy to know that he can be with
Charlotte. A love like theirs, so true, so strong. Our sympathy to you and all your families.
Joe and Lourdes Hagen Russell and Family says
Wayne, Steve, Craig, and Families,
We are very sorry to learn of Melvin’s passing. I have alot of wonderful memories with Charlotte and Melvin in Lincoln while growing up and beyond! Our thoughts and blessings for strength and unity be among you at this difficult time. Love to all of you, Lourdes and Joe and Family