Mary Claire (Wetzel) Hagmann

Mary Claire Hagmann, 106 years loved, passed away peacefully in her home in Eau Claire with her daughter at her side on July 27, 2023. She was born on April 20, 1917, in Eau Claire, the only child of Edward and Regina (Eister) Wetzel. She attended Sacred Heart School in Eau Claire and then graduated from Eau Claire Senior High in 1935. On November 21, 1940, she married Lawrence P. "Larry" Hagmann at Sacred Heart Church. They built their home and raised their family on the Eastside hill of Eau Claire, where they were active lifelong members of Immaculate Conception Church since 1952. She was a member of the Immaculata Society and the Eau Claire Catholic Woman's Club.

Mary Claire worked for Doctor C.H. Falstad in his office in Eau Claire, continuing to do so here on the home front during World War II while her husband fought in Europe. Upon his safe return they started their family, and she dedicated her life to loving and caring for them. In later years she returned to work in the office of Doctor R. S. Ostenso of Eau Claire, followed by their retirement years of winter escapes to Hawaii and Florida. They travelled to Europe, Canada, Mexico, and much of the United States. They cherished their grandchildren, visiting them or enjoying them in their home for holidays, and always a family Christmas full of fun, love, and her beautiful hand-crafted Christmas decorations adorning their home.

Mary Claire was an extraordinary seamstress, sewing clothes, gowns, period reenactment clothing, home furnishings, and quilts. She also knitted sweaters and mittens, and crocheted dozens of blankets, one for each grandchild when they started their homes. She decorated elaborate intricate goose eggs and created ceramic treasures. Her cookies and pies were thoughtfully baked and given with love. Her Christmas traditional Sandbakkels were always anticipated with delight and loved by all. She picked blueberries and strawberries and made delicious strawberry jam. She enjoyed dancing, reading, crossword puzzles, playing cards, playing bridge, swimming, coffee parties with her neighbor friends, and long summer days on her back porch. Mary Claire found joy in her life, and she brought joy to others. She recognized that she loved her life, and all the people that filled it. She never missed sending birthday and celebration cards, cherished by all. She found happiness in little things. She thought day and night about the well-being of her children, and all she ever wanted was for the people she loved to be healthy and happy. She was still a nurturing mom and had a ceaseless love of family as she turned 106. Every conversation with her had people walking away feeling good about life and themselves. She felt blessed to be a mom, grandma, and great grandma. She was truly a remarkable woman. In recent years, age slowed her, but she never lost her zest for life, nor her willingness to care for her family and wanting to know what was happening in their lives. Mary Claire was everything the Greatest Generation is famous for-generous yet frugal, simplicity yet quality, loving yet strong. For 21 years since her husband's passing, she honored his memory and lived with strength, grace, and curiosity. She lived in her own home alone until age 101, and then remained in her own home with help until 106. She continued always to savor life. May her memory live on in all who love her by continuing to share her positive outlook and love of life. She has left a legacy for all to uphold.

Mary Claire is survived by her children, Larry E. Hagmann (Susan) of Chippewa Falls, Ken Hagmann (Deedee) of Stoughton, Peggy Hagmann (Jim Thill) of Eau Claire; grandchildren, Michelle Hagmann (Tina), Ed Hagmann (Christine), Sadie Hagmann (Cindy), Kate Nelson (Ben), Jess Thill (Tracie), Tim Thill (Tressa), Jim Thill III, Cretia Radman (Bob), Mark Ludwigson, Valerie McIntyre (Jeremiah) and 22 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Lawrence P. "Larry" Hagmann in 2002, and her parents, Edward and Regina Wetzel. She is also preceded by her son, Jerome "Jay" Hagmann; grandson, Matthew Stuart, all of her brothers and sisters in law and many nieces and nephews of the Hagmann, Kassing, Feeney, and Steubing families.

The family would like to thank caregiver Kathi Bowen for her dedicated care, love, and compassion over the past 5 years, giving our family time for respite. We will be forever grateful. The family holds a great deal of gratitude and respect for the efforts and care of Mary Lee, Beth, Karen, and the staff of St. Joseph's Hospice. Thank you for all the skill and comfort that you provided to her.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 11th at 11:00 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1712 Highland Avenue, Eau Claire, with Father Francis Thadathil officiating. Visitation will be prior from 9:00-11:00 at the same location. A luncheon will follow. A private family burial will be held at a later date. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mary Claire's life, in gratitude for the gifts that she gave, and the gift that she was to us all.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials in Mary Claire's name to Immaculate Conception School at Immaculate Conception Church, 1712 Highland Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701, or a charity of your choice.

Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lenmarkfh.com.