Obituary of Darrel Hagen

Darrel Hagen, born to Agnes Clarabelle Thoren Hagen and Thor Aren Hagen on October 19, 1949, at St Joseph’s Hospital in Tacoma, was a proud member of a strong Norwegian Lutheran family. He was the second of five siblings and the eldest twin to Diane Hagen Omli.

He grew up in Mountain View/Edgewood, Washington, on a 10-acre homestead where his family raised cattle and sheep. Darrel fondly recalled farm life, sharing stories such as the one of his older brother milking cows and entertaining the family cat with a well-aimed squirt of milk.

Educated in Edgewood through 8th grade, Darrel graduated from Sumner High School in June 1968. He pursued higher education at Green River Community College before transferring to Central Washington University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1973.

In 1980, a blind date with friends introduced Darrel to Diane Levin. Soon after the passing of his father in August 1981, Darrel & Diane became engaged, knowing they had his blessing.

Darrel was baptized on December 4th, 1949, confirmed on June 5th, 1966, and married to Diane on May 29th, 1982. All of these events took place at Mountain View Lutheran Church. His great grandparents were members of Mountain View when it was founded in 1904, and he treated everyone at Mountain View like extended family, because quite a few were. He was known for being the guy that was always ready to give the little old ladies a hug. They would wait after church for him to give them great big bear hugs, and express disappointment when he was not there to do so. He was dedicated to preserving the buildings and grounds of the church and cared greatly for the history & future of this community of faith.

Settling in Tacoma, Darrel and Diane raised their three children, Anna, Thor, and Erika. A fervent advocate for his children’s education and faith, Darrel worked tirelessly to financially support their attendance at private Christian schools, music education, extracurricular activities, and post high school education.

After his father's passing, Darrel took over the family business. Darrel's passion for antique cars and the operation of Hagen’s Auto Parts defined his professional life. His love for these classic vehicles and the camaraderie he found in this community of car lovers took him across the United States and Canada, attending car tours and swap meets. Under Darrel’s stewardship, Hagen’s Auto Parts kept its doors open for over 75 years, shipping auto parts all over the world.

Darrel is survived by his loving wife, Diane, their three children, Anna, Thor, and Erika, and his two sisters, Diane Omli and Lori Tapp.

Services for Darrel will be on December 16, 2023 at 11:00 am at Mt View Lutheran Church, 3505-122nd Ave E Edgewood, WA 98372. The viewing will be at the church at 10:15 -10:45 am.

Graveside services will be Monday, December 18, 2023 at 12:00 noon at the Sumner Cemetery, 12324 Valley Ave E, Puyallup, WA 98372.

Memorials may be made to

Diabetes Association of Pierce County Panther Day Camp Scholarship Fund or

Mt View Lutheran Church Property Maintenance Fund.