With family by his side, Carl Hagen peacefully passed away on Sunday, February 4th, 2024. Carl was born on April 19th, 1947, to Herb and Ethel Hagen of Ocosta. Early in his childhood, Carl discovered his love for tractors and once John Grossman said “as soon as you figure out how to start it, you can run it,” and the rest was history. Carl never had a shortage of work to do between the Grossman and Robert Ranches.

At the young age of 14, Carl joined the Ocosta Grange. He then went on to join the Pomona and Washington State Granges as well. He was an original member of the Ocosta Volunteer Fire Department. After which, he worked for the Washington State Game Department as well as Ocean Spray Cranberries in Aberdeen.

In 1971, he attended Grays Harbor College and graduated with two AS degrees. In 1976, Carl started driving bus for Washington Coast Lines and transferred to Grays Harbor Transit in 1979. Not only did GHT provide Carl a proud 29-year career, it’s where he met Nola “Jean” and they went on to marry in 1987. Before retiring in 2006, Carl served as Shop Steward and was an Executive Board Member of the ATU.

Being an only child of a very small and tight-knit family, marrying Jean was quite the culture shock for Carl. Jean was a mother of 4 adult children and grandmother to 1 (at the time) grandchild and it took Carl some time to get his footing within a larger family dynamic. Carl was a staple within his family and he worked really hard at building and nurturing very special and unique relationships with everyone in the family. Despite any obstacles, Carl and Jean spent a beautiful 36 years together and went on to have 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Carl once told Jean, “they may be your children, but they are OUR grandchildren.”

Throughout his life, Carl thoroughly enjoyed clam digging, hunting, fishing and all things outdoors. In his spare time, Carl made it a priority to help care for his neighbors. Even in retirement, Carl never lost his love of driving. Without hesitation, he would often drive some of his neighbors to and from various doctors’ appointments and/or procedures over the last several years. Helping his friends and family, regardless of the need, always brought Carl a sense of joy and happiness. Carl also very much enjoyed the lunches and get togethers he would have with his fellow GHT retirees as well as members of his graduating class.

Carl is survived by his wife Jean, who resides at the family home in Elma, Washington; step-daughters Sarah (Rick) Murray and Kellie (Jim) Meers, both of Aberdeen; 8 grandchildren and 3 great- grandchildren. Carl is preceded in death by his parents and step-sons Melvan and Randy Glerup.

Carl was laid to rest during a private graveside burial with his immediate family on February 15th, 2024 at the Satsop Cemetery.