"I just today found out of Gale's passing. It has saddened me deeply. I met Gale in 1976 when we lived next door to each other in Graham Hall on the campus of Central College. We pledged a sorority together and ended up roommates our senior year. Gale was a good friend and we spent many hours laughing, eating popcorn and drinking hot chocolate. Unfortunately, we lost contact with each other over the years. But I remember her fondly and with love. Peace and warmth to Gale's family as they start this new journey in life without her. Rest in peace, my sweet friend."
In loving memory of
Gale Hoekstra Hagen
January 21, 1958 - September 8, 2017
After being diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer on December 27, 2016, Gale died September 8, 2017. She was born January 21, 1958, attended Aroma Park Elementary School, Kankakee East Junior High, Kankakee East Ridge High School, Central College, Pella, Iowa, and Western Theological Seminary (Masters of Religious Education). During high school, Gale was in Chamber Choir that toured Europe and Rome, was in school musicals, and was a cheerleader.
During Gale's last year in Seminary, she was introduced to Frederick Hagen by mutual friends, Wade and Karen Hamilton. Gale moved to Seattle, WA for a 1982 summer clinical pastoral internship, which allowed Fred and Gale to get to know each other. They were engaged in September 1982, and married June 11, 1983 at the First Reformed Church, Wichert, IL.
Gale worked as Director of Religious Education at Wedgwood Presbyterian Church, while having her three sons, Nate, Aaron, and Eric. During 1993-4, the family lived for a year in Denmark where Gale was a member of the American Women and International Women in Denmark, playing tennis and organizing family vacations. Returning to Seattle, Gale became increasingly involved in Icogen/Icogenex, first in simple accounting input, then full accounting, human resource director, and eventually Chief Operating Officer of Icogenex BioIncubator.
First and foremost in Gale's life were her personal relationships, as a mother to her three sons, a wife, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a relative, and friends to untold number of people. Gale excelled and was a leader in all her walks of life. Gale had a beautiful contralto voice and very much enjoyed soloing, singing in small groups, and in the Concert Choir at University Presbyterian Church, which was a major cornerstone of her life. Gale loved her tennis and her tennis gals at the Seattle Tennis Club. Her USTA tennis team was one step short of Nationals in 2016 and she was captain of her USTA team at the time of her diagnosis. Her work as COO of Icogenex BioIncubator was a work of beauty, helping to incubate over 60 biotech startup companies from 2002 to present. The years were very good to Gale, she only became more and more competent, beautiful, and loving as the years went by. She was a most beloved person in all the groups of which she was a part.
Gale is survived by her husband, Frederick S. Hagen, sons Aaron (Candace) Hagen and Frederick Stamner "Eric" Hagen II, her mother, Darlene Hoekstra, her sister, Vicki (Nick) Lambesis, her brothers, Alan (Sue) Hoekstra and Randy (Lori) Hoekstra, a niece, numerous nephews, and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father Donald Lee Hoekstra, her son Nathaniel Frederick Hagen, and her grandparents.
The memorial to celebrate Gale's life will be at University Presbyterian Church at 1:00 p.m., Monday, September 18, 2017 and reception after the memorial at the church.
Memorials may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org) or University Presbyterian Church Choir Fund.
Words of comfort may be expressed for Gale Hagen's family by clicking on the Tributes tab just below their name.
Tributes
"Gale walked tall. As athletes at Eastridge High in Kankakee, Illinois- we had a lot in common. She and I had classes together, and theatre. My brothers, John & Pat Henry sang in Chamber Choir with her. Talented, strong and a welcomed presence in our home. All Henry family loved her, and stand with me- as we remember her. Our continued prayers in loving support of Gale's family. "
"We were sorry to learn of Gale's passing. We had so much enjoyed visiting with her at one of Fred's Rugby reunions. Sending our condolences and all our best to Fred and family. Marybeth and David Vigeland"
"I remember to Rome with Gail and Denise Ruder and many other classmates. Gail was a fun-loving with a spirit of a sense of humor and was a great friend. I will miss her dearly. I can hear her voice right now. Thanks Gale and we love you for all you were and I will remember you as I lost my little brother Scott Bowsher this year. Hugs and many prayers to your sons and husband. You will always be in my heart pretty girl. You always were postive in all that you did. Love and Gods grace to all your family. I love you Gale my dear friend and classmate."
"Have such great memories cheering with Gale. I'm sad I never had a chance to run into her again since high school. Looking forward to heaven & eternity to catch up with so many. My condolences to the Hoekstra & Hagen families. "
"My condolences to all who knew her...."