Don L. Hagaman

GALVA - Don L. Hagaman, 88, of Galva, died at 11:04 a.m., Thursday, November 9, 2023 in the emergency room at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center in Kewanee.

He was born June 12, 1935 in St. Charles, IL, the son of Frank and Florence (Moss) Hagaman. He married Karen Gossman on February 11, 1956.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years of Galva, his four sons; Jay (Stephanie) Hagaman of Kewanee, Joel (Jennie) Hagaman of Fort Smith, AR, Jeff (Ann) Hagaman of Crete, NE and Jim Hagaman of Omaha, NE, his two daughters, Jean (Patrick) Street of East Moline, IL and Janice (Jeff) Kunz of Chatham, IL, a brother, Gerald Hagaman of Burnsville, MN and twelve grandchildren; Jessica and Jailyn Hagaman, Jamie Ditter, Josh Hagaman, Jim and Chris Kunz, Nellie, Michael, Luke and Matthew Street and Kari and Lindsey Hagaman. He was the proud great-grandpa of 9 great-grandsons and 3 great-granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Don graduated from St. Charles High School and served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. He had worked as a salesman for various agricultural companies including Anderson, Clayton and Company, Sieben, and AgriPro, taking his children to work with him whenever he could. He held many community roles throughout his life including beginning a ball club in Wasco, IL and coaching teams in Galva as well.  

Don was privileged to serve on the Galva School Board and was an announcer for Galva football games and track meets, as well as serving as Mayor of the City of Galva from 2003-2007. One of the things he was most proud of was helping to develop the Galva Wall of Fame. He was a member of the Galva Lions Club and had received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. Always civic minded, he was often volunteering, serving with the athletic boosters, music boosters, and putting up the city park Christmas lights.

Don was an avid sports fan and enjoyed following the Chicago Cubs and Fighting Illini. He had many other hobbies and interests, too. His large yard was filled with many different kinds of gardens that he enjoyed taking care of - often keeping a schedule of tasks that needed to be done. He also followed the local weather to ensure it would cooperate with his gardening plans.

Don’s faith in God was very important to him, as well, being a long-time member of the Galva Congregational church. He served as a church board member and sang in the choir. 

Most of all he loved his family and spent many holidays and picnics corralling the large number of people who called him Grandpa Don. 

Cremation will be accorded and a Remembrance Gathering will be held next spring to celebrate Don's life.

Memorials may be directed to Abilities Plus or to Henry County Public Transportation.

Rux Funeral Home in Galva is in charge of arrangements.

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