Ernest Alfred Hagen, 89, Noonan, and more recently of the Crosby Good Samaritan Center, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, at the Trinity Hospital, Minot.

His funeral services are at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Noonan. The Rev. Ethyl Mae Nelson is officiating. Burial is at the Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery with military honors provided by James Lumsden American Legion Post # 243.

A visitation is from 3-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23, 2009, at the Stakston-Martin Funeral Home, Crosby and also one hour before the service at the church.

Ernest was born on Nov. 27, 1919, the son of Ole and Theresa (Lande) Hagen. He was the second youngest of 10 children. He was raised on the farm and attended schools in Coalfield and Upland Townships.

He worked as a farm laborer and at various other jobs. He joined the Army on Feb. 2, 1942. He spent all four years of military service overseas during WWII. He was discharged with honors on Aug. 26, 1945. Ernest married Clarice Lund on June 28, 1946. To this union was born one daughter, Beverly and one son, Duane. He worked as a coal miner at Baukol-Noonan for 34 years.

He was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church where he was baptized and confirmed.

He was a lifetime member of the Noonan American Legion and was very proud of his military service.

His favorite pastime was playing his accordions and he enjoyed playing with his band at various functions and nursing homes while entertaining others.

He enjoyed the time spent with his grandchildren, whether it was telling stories and making them laugh, or taking them fishing or watching their sporting events.

Ernest is survived by his two children, Beverly (Bernard) Dokken and Duane (Mary) Hagen; four grandchildren, Brad (Stephanie) Dokken, Brian (Laura) Dokken, Jeremy Hagen and Daryl Hagen. He was blessed by one great-granddaughter, Leah, born to Brian and Laura. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Mildred and Evelyn and many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Clarice; his parents; sister, Marie Braathen; brothers, Olaf, Melvin, Art, Henry and Hector and three infant sisters.

He will always be remembered for his kindness to others, the sparkle in his eyes and his wonderful smile! Thank you to all his friends and family for loving him and being there. He loved you all.

We will miss him, but his love will always be with us.

Stakston-Martin Funeral Home of Crosby is in charge of arrangements.