Steve Hagen
As told by wife Rose Hagen and family
My husband’s name is Steve Hagen, born June 29, 1957. He was a very fun, full-of-life man, who deeply loved his family and friends. Steve was a businessman in Waterloo, known and respected by many. He was a lover of music, often singing with local bands and karaoke. He loved the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Minnesota Vikings. He was a father of four – Heather Herman, Josh Hagen, Zach Hagen and Brooklyn Hagen – and a grandfather of three: Tyler, Jordyn and Bradyn Herman. He was the oldest of five siblings.
He died January 3, 2016, at age 58 of a neurodegenerative disease called PSP – Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. We can’t really pinpoint when this began, as it started with personality changes. It affects the frontal lobe of the brain, so initially he was diagnosed with Frontotemporal dementia.
Eventually he began to decline, losing the ability to perform activities of daily living. He struggled speaking and it was difficult for him to find words. The magic of music is that he could still sing. He didn’t need to think of those words; he knew them.
A social worker I worked with suggested hospice. We started out with the LINK Palliative Care program in 2014. In the fall of that year, he was admitted to Cedar Valley Hospice. What a godsend they were.
We had a wonderful hospice team, including nurses, a massage therapist, CNA, social worker, spiritual care counselor and nurse practitioner. I’m sure there were others.
I was a working wife and mother, caring for my husband. This team totally helped me and my family navigate this illness and supported us, as well as my husband. They treated us not as strangers, but like family. They answered our questions, educated us on what to expect. With the help of our children, hospice and other family members. It took a village, but we were able to keep him at home.
His nurse Marsy always had the needed meds available and ordered equipment needed for his care and mobility. Also, she could always make him laugh. Amy and Nathan visited with Steve and family, making sure we were supported and shared resources. Missy provided hands-on massage. Touch, laying on of hands was very comforting to him. Sometimes they sang together. Amanda provided showers, dressing, and assisted with eating. Sometimes she was able to just sit with him. Pastor Robert brought scripture, prayer and music to share. There’s that love of music…
When my husband was ill, our youngest daughter was nine, and we had young grands. It was very important to me that we continue to make memories for the littles and for all of us.
We have a cabin that we liked to spend time at. Friends built us a ramp there. Marsy would work with hospice and arrange that I could occasionally take him there and have hospice coverage through a local agency. We also utilized respite services on occasion. Hospice’s Eucalyptus Tree program, social worker visits and projects for children helping them through this time were very helpful.
One thing I’d like people to know about hospice is it isn’t just about dying. It’s about living as comfortably as possible for the time you have left. Then, when the end of that time comes, to die with dignity. My husband passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Death is always hard, sad, scary – but when you’re prepared it can be very moving. It’s an honor to be with your loved one while they transition to “the next place” where they’re whole and well again. We could not have managed it all without our hospice team, and we had the best. Not only for their excellent care of him, but for the support they provided to all of us.
I have the utmost respect for Cedar Valley Hospice. My family and I thank you all.
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