Donald Elwin Hager

Donald “Elwin” Hager, 93, of Kalkaska passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2020 surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on June 24, 1927 at his grandpa and grandma Tosier’s home in Boardman Township to the late Frank Thomas and Clara (Tosier) Hager. Elwin graduated high school early to join the United States Army during World War II. After proudly serving in the Army, Elwin returned to home and worked in various factories and owned a full services Standard Station. It wasn’t until the late 1960’s that Elwin began farming Christmas trees. During this time Elwin taught and instilled good, strong work ethics in many young people in Kalkaska. On New Year’s Eve in 1947, Elwin married the love of his life whom he had met at a local dance, Elaine Beebe. Together they raised 4 children. He was known as a hard working and generous man who loved his family dearly. Elwin loved to trap and enjoyed taking time to teach those who were interested in his passion. Many in the Kalkaska community, as well as those visiting the area, took delight in Elwin’s delicious maple syrup and beautiful Christmas trees. He will be greatly missed by all. Elwin will be lovingly remembered by his wife Elaine, children: Thomas Hager of Williamsburg, Christine (Richard) Kniss of Niles, Laura Helberg of Rapid City, Daniel Hager of South Boardman, special children: Tom, Rita, Kathy, Mark, Sue, Mary, and Jack Jacobs, grandchildren: Joshua (Brandi) Sherwood, Samuel Sherwood, S Curtis (Amanda) Sherwood, Meaghan Helberg, Adrian Helberg (Autumn Osterhouse), Christopher Helberg, Matthew Kniss, Danielle (Patrick) Williams, Benjamin (Julie) Hager, Nick Crim, Jessica Crim, many great- grandchildren, siblings: Susannah Hansen of Kalkaska, Beatrice (Donald) Sherman of Kalkaska, Gardner (Bonnie) Hager of Wacousta, in-laws: Gerald (Sharon) Beebe of Kalkaska and Janet (John) Beard of Chelsea, George (Iris) Lardie of Traverse City and many nieces and nephews that lovingly knew him as Daddy Elwin. Elwin was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Shirley Hager, Carol Lardie, Alice Perrin, brothers–in-law: Gib Perrin, Jake Hansen, grandson David Thomas Bull, niece Jeanie Hawkins, and son-in-law Alfred Helberg. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 13 from 4:00 – 7:00 at the Kalkaska Funeral Home. Final visitation will be held on Saturday November 14, 2020 at 2:00 with the funeral service starting at 3:00 at the Kalkaska Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elwin’s honor may be made to T. C. Munson Hospice or Kalkaska Church of Christ. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Donald Elwin Hager

June 24, 1927 - November 5, 2020