Duane D. Hagen

Duane Hagen, a cherished husband, father and grandfather, passed away on January 17, 2026, after a long battle recovering from a serious stairwell-falling accident March 1, 2023. Rehabilitation at home and outpatient physical therapy throughout 2023 until October 2024. Hospitalization was followed by in-home hospice care throughout 2025 and first weeks of 2026. His final few hours of care were at Rose Arbor in Kalamazoo.

 Duane was born August 29, 1952, in Battle Creek, Michigan to Einar and Eleanor (Kornoelje) Hagen. Duane had a diverse career, beginning in 1970. After graduating high school, he began working for Battle Creek Gas Company, then Community Hospital Battle Creek initially in laundry service, shortly transitioning into the boiler energy trade.

While reconnecting with family at a June 1979 reunion in Kalamazoo, his cousins later introduced him to their new friend, Patti. A year later, Duane and Patricia Preston-Honeysett were married. Duane also became stepfather to three young children. Residing in Kalamazoo, Duane worked full-time at Community Hospital in Battle Creek and part-time at the Lantern Christian Book Store.

Later in the 1980’s Duane was hired at James River Papermill in Parchment with working part-time at the Kalamazoo Christian Book Store. Staying in the boiler field at the papermill through the Crown Vantage years until the mill closed. Upgrading with continuing education, Duane became a technical trainer through KVCC M-Tech programs, The Groves Center and KCC, Battle Creek, Workforce Solutions. Career changes and development included working at Merlo Energy and others. 

Establishing his own business, Hagen Enterprise LLC in 2007 as a member of the AEE Association of Energy Engineers, Certified Energy Auditor, Steam and Condensate Systems Specialist, Training Facilitator in Multiple Fields, broadened his services throughout Michigan and Nationally until 2015. Also hired as a subcontractor in 2007 by MPI Research, Mattawan, which later became Charles River Laboratories, employed until 2024.

Duane’s dedication extended beyond business; he was the founder of Shepherd’s Hollow Ministry, where he positively impacted lives through his outreach in schools, churches, jails and juvenile homes. His personal testimony and music were at the heart of Duane’s ministry; a gift he shared generously with those around him. 

A man of profound musical talent, known by many as “Mr. Blues,” and “The Whistle” he thrived with the gospel message as a speaker, singer and harmonicaist. Playing with numerous area bands and artists, turning down record label offers remaining true to his gospel mission and fully supporting his family. Duane participated and performed in Hasting for many years leading carols on the Christmas Trolley and joining other musicians at the Thursday Music Nights at Arby’s. Even during his time in hospice care, Duane collaborated with staff to promote their work through his music, showcasing his unwavering spirit and commitment to uplifting others. 

On a personal level, Duane was a devoted family man, married to his beloved wife, Patti on July 18, 1980, at Hope Reformed Church in Kalamazoo. He was the proud father of six children, Robert (Sariah) Honeysett, Melissa (Nick) Seaman, Kristine (Dustin) Goolsby, Angela (Lucas) Louden, David Hagen and Laura Hagen-Russell and grandfather to 14 beloved grandchildren. Duane is also survived by his siblings, Alan Hagan, Arlan Hagan, Janice Gaskell and Julie Yancer, all of Battle Creek, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a granddaughter. 

In addition to the love and support he provided to his family, Duane was an avid reader and lifelong learner, possessing an inquisitive mind and a gift for making others feel included. Despite his larger-than-life personality, he was a humble servant of God, dedicated to both his faith and family. 

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Grace Christian Reformed Church, 1724 Whites Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Gathering at 10:30am, Service and Sharing beginning at 11:00am.

Contributions in memory of Duane may be directed to Faith Chapel, 7736 West G. Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. 

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.