On Christmas day, Heaven welcomed the most beautiful soul. Eric Scott Hagen, 30, of Redwood Falls passed away on December 25, 2020, in the presence and loving touch of his family. Private Family Funeral Service will be Wednesday, December 30, 2020 from Nelson-Hillestad Funeral Home in Redwood Falls with burial to follow in the Redwood Falls Cemetery. Arrangements are with Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Redwood Falls.
Eric was born to Scott and Lisa (Schweiss) Hagen on December 22, 1990 in Redwood Falls, MN. He was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. He attended Redwood Falls schools until 2010. He enjoyed spending time at SEI, bowling with his REM friends, attending REM activities including holiday parties, Special Olympics, attending community events and spending time with friends and family. To truly know Eric was as if your own soul had been joined with another’s. What suffering he endured by his condition or lack of ability would soon be countered by his happiness in what would seem like the simplest things and lead to one’s own happiness beyond what could be imagined. He made the most of his abilities through his strength, persistence, wisdom beyond what would be assumed, and an intuitive nature that would prove right in situations that would only unfold over time. He taught patience, understanding, compassion, the absurdity of selfishness, the need to give selflessly to receive, how a sense of humor will bring universal joy, and the value of finding happiness in the seemingly smallest things. This would be evident in his intense pleasure found in a walk or one of many car rides, spending time at the family cabin with lake activities including his favorite inflatable turtle, riding or watching a merry-go-round or any fair to be found, a hotel stay overnight, eating an Eggo waffle, and many similar small things that lead to such contagious joy. This was the privilege of knowing Eric, and therein finding that your own life had been made better. Eric completed his family as a circle of strength and love- founded on faith, kept by God, and forever together. REM was a very important part of Eric’s life. He was blessed to call it his home and the staff and housemates (LeRoy, Andrew, Tim) his second family. How fortunate he was to experience the loving care provided by Terry Greenslit (who has been by his side since he was a small child), Patrick, Crystal, Shelley, Becky, Lori, Tim, Jim, Christine, Sandy and many others. Although the time he spent with the Carris Hospice and Hospital nursing staff was short, his family will forever remember their deep compassion, kindness, empathetic and loving care.
Eric is survived by his parents, Dr. Scott and Lisa Hagen; brother, Tyler Hagen (fiancée Elizabeth Prouty); grandfather, Dr. Tom Hagen; uncles and aunts, Dr. Sue and Brad Lohrbach, Todd and Gail Hagen, MaryAnn and Woody Schemmel, Arnie and Cathy Schweiss, Mike and Debbie Schweiss, Deb and Dave Kohout; many cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Hilda Schweiss and Evelyn Hagen; grandfather, Arnie Schweiss; step-grandmother, Velma Schweiss; and cousin, Kristy Scarberry.
