Loretta Hagen

Loretta Marie Hagen, 87, of Willard, WI passed away peacefully at home after battling lung cancer & dementia on July 17th, 2025 surrounded by family. She was born July 27,1937 to Arthur & Marie Kotchy, and had a younger brother Allen.

Loretta grew up on a farm in the township of York, was a 1955 graduate of the Neillsville High School, and attended two years at UW- Stevens Point. While attending school she met her first husband Wayne Trimberger at the root beer stand in Neillsville.

She married Wayne in 1957, and together they raised two daughters, Diane and Rhonda. Loretta was a devoted homemaker, and she became a proud nana to her first granddaughters, Amanda and Amber, before Wayne's passing in 1993.

She met Jesse Hagen at the Wildcat Inn in 1996. In 2000, she married Jesse and over the next 25 years, they blended their families and shared a full life surrounded by love.

Loretta deeply loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She found joy in reading James Patterson novels, trips to the casino, and spending winters in the warmth of Mesa, AZ. Summers were spent relaxing on Mead Lake, WI with family. She loved country western music, especially Mickey Gilley, and wearing fun outfits. Loretta loved to travel, capturing memories in photographs and cherishing them all. She never took a bad picture and loved looking through old photos. Loretta collected Hummels, a tradition started by her husband Wayne, and kept a detailed record of each one. She loved to cook and entertain, always making everyone feel welcome. Her kind words and warm spirit left people feeling better just for having talked with her.

Survivors include her husband Jesse Hagen, daughter Diane (Jean) Trimberger, brother Allen (Rita) Kotchy, granddaughters Amanda McKaig and Amber (Kraig) Oppriecht, step-children Rick (Lisa) Hagen, Tim (Tammy) Hagen, Jill Opelt, Lori (Doug) Opelt, grandchildren Tony (Bri) Opelt, Kayla (Joe) Harder, Danny (Jess) Opelt, Collin (Morgan) Brunner, Lindsey (Ben) Budke, Chelsea (Dylan) Schmidt, Lexi Opelt, and Amy Hagen. Great grandchildren Ava, Lydia, Olivia, Henry, Lenora, Annavae, August, Maivalyn, and Avery.

She was preceded in death by her parents Arthur & Marie Kotchy, first husband Wayne Trimberger, her daughter Rhonda McKaig, and step-son Russell Opelt.

The family would like to thank Amy and the entire team at Compassus Hospice- Marshfield for the incredible care given to Loretta in her last months.

Funeral Services for Loretta will be held at 11:30 a.m., Monday, July 21, 2025, at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, WI. Pastor Bob Streeter will officiate. Interment will be in the Neillsville City Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the Neillsville American Legion. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., Monday at the Gesche Funeral Home. A livestream of the funeral services can be viewed at www.geschefh.com beginning at 11:30 a.m., Monday, July 21, 2025.

Pallbearers will be: Collin Brunner, Rick Hagen, Tim Hagen, Danny Opelt, Doug Opelt, Tony Opelt, and Kraig Oppriecht.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Loretta's family with funeral arrangements.