Virginia "Ginny" Mae (Hollenback) Hagen

Virginia "Ginny" M. Hagen, age 87, of Glenwood, MN died at her home on Saturday, August 8, 2020, under the loving care of her children and Glacial Ridge Hospice. Due to the seriousness of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in keeping with Ginny's written instructions, a small, private memorial service, officiated by Rev. Krista Lee, will be held. That service will be recorded and shared on the funeral home website for extended family and friends to view in the coming days. Inurnment will be in Barsness Cemetery, rural Glenwood. Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.

Virginia “Ginny” Hagen, daughter of Ralph and Elsie (Strout) Hollenback, was born on January 21, 1933 in Richfield, MN where she and her beloved older sister, Betty, grew up. She was baptized and confirmed at Oak Grove Lutheran Church in Richfield. Ginny attended Woodlake Elementary, Ramsey Jr. High and was a 1951 graduate of Washburn High School. Later she attended California Lutheran Bible School in Los Angeles, CA.

Growing up, Ginny worked on her family’s farm and sold produce at their vegetable stand in Richfield. After completing high school, she worked for two years as a secretary at NW National Bank in Minneapolis before moving to Hawaii. There she managed an import store in the famous Surfrider Hotel on Waikiki Beach. In 1956, Ginny moved back to Minnesota where she worked as a Secretary at the Grain Exchange Building in Minneapolis prior to completing her education in California. Following graduation, Ginny accepted a position as a Parish Worker at Trinity Lutheran Church in Oxnard, CA, where she worked from 1959 to 1960. In 1960, Ginny was called back to Minnesota to accept the position of Parish Worker at Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley where she was employed until 1965.

Ginny was united in marriage to Harold Hagen of Starbuck, MN on Sept. 11, 1965 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley. Ginny and Harold made their home in Starbuck where she served the role of homemaker and supported her husband in their farming operation. The two shared 19 years of marriage before Harold’s death in 1984. In 1987, Ginny married Dennis Anderson and they resided on Lake Pelican in Glenwood. Ginny dearly loved Dennis’ three children, Lonnie, Mary and Jill, and their families and remained close to them until her death.

Ginny was active in her church at both Barsness Lutheran and later Glenwood Lutheran. She served on various committees and enjoyed Bible studies and was a member of the Starbuck Study Club and Minnewaska District Hospital Auxiliary for many years.

One of Ginny’s greatest loves was music. She not only played for her own enjoyment, but routinely shared her musical gift freely with others. She volunteered her talents at many nursing homes, senior living facilities, community functions and was recognized many times as an outstanding volunteer in her communities. In her later years, she took on a rotation as pianist every third Sunday at the Glenwood Retirement Home for their church services.

Ginny is survived by her daughter, Laurie Hagen of Glenwood; her son, Randy Hagen and his wife Stephanie Howe of Starbuck, MN; five grandchildren, Ashley Olson of Richfield, Erika (Vinny) Flury of Ovideo, FL, Morgan Olson of Glenwood, Sydney Hagen of Starbuck and Elsey Hagen of Starbuck; and two great-grandchildren, Mya Olson Hairston and Rhemy Flury; two nieces, Julie (Kurt) Tvete and Mary Moody; two nephews, Mike (Gerilyn) Elsen and Steve (Ruth) Quisberg; as well as many great nieces and nephews. 

Ginny was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Elsie Hollenback; her husband, Harold Hagen; one sister, Betty Elsen; a niece, Gretchen Quisberg; a nephew, Jeffrey Elsen; and a great grandson, Isaiah Olson Long.

Ginny will be remembered for her steadfast faith, her constant smile and positive outlook on life. She was genuinely concerned for others and sincerely interested in their lives. Ginny’s hallmark talent was her piano playing ability. Her love of the piano was used to glorify God, and bring enjoyment to others. Ginny’s musical journey started with piano lessons in grade school and later progressed to three years of lessons at the famous MacPhail School of Music in Minneapolis. She had a patented sound that brought joy to so many.  

Ginny was a beloved mother, wife, grandmother and faithful servant of God. She will be deeply missed.

Ginny requested only a single bouquet of flowers from her family for her small memorial service. Instead, memorials in her memory may be directed to Glenwood Lutheran Church - Building Fund, 206 Minnesota Ave E, Glenwood, MN 56334, or Glacial Ridge Home Care and Hospice, 219 1st St SE, Glenwood, MN 56334.

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