Gary Arnold Hagge

Gary Arnold Hagge was born on November 16, 1940 in Fargo, North Dakota to Chester Arnold Hagge and Edna Glen Hagge. He was an intelligent, quiet, strong-willed, perfectionist, loyal, committed, loving husband and father.

When a decision needed to be made, we all knew what "I'll have to think about that" or

"We need to research that!" meant. It may take a year or two, but the final decision was

always a good one. He never threw anything away. "We might need that someday."

Gary attended Fargo High School- 1958, North Dakota State University 1963 Bachelor's Degree in Sciences; major in business. North Dakota State University 1973 Master's Degree in Sciences; major in business and Army Facility Engineer Management Course – 1974. Gary lived at home and worked at the local theater while attending college. He joined the Army/Corps of Engineers in Sept. 1963, and specialties in the army were Personnel Administration, Engineer, and Instructor. Gary served several years in Germany and two tours in Viet Nam. Taught ROTC at North Dakota State University - 1969-70

He was honorable discharged with the rank of Lt. Col. in 1983 and began employment as Manager of the Palmer Center, downtown Colo. Springs; and later as a planner for HB&A, Architectural and Planning Firm in Colo. Springs until his final retirement in 2004. He claimed it took about one nano second to adjust to retirement!

He married Delores Kelstrup - home town girlfriend; met at the movie theater; married in Aug.,1962 Delores died in April 1989. He then met Judy Hubbell Stover at the bridge table with friends; they married in Nov.1991. Gary later said, "I liked what I saw!" He didn't mean the bridge!

Gary was stationed in many places during his military career. His family enjoyed traveling

in several European countries during that time.

After retirement Judy and he enjoyed Elderhostel trips, Disneyworld with family

members and other places in the US and Europe.

Gary enjoyed photography most of his life. He captured the beauty of the Vietnamese

people on film while stationed there. He made beautiful greeting and note cards using

close-ups of flowers accompanied by special verses and descriptions. His scenery

"shots" were awesome.

Although not a musician, he appreciated and attended many professionally performed

musicals. Lessons and Carols and Gallery of Living Art at church were two of his favorites. He had the role of James in the first production of Gallery of Living Art in 1993.

He was a talented gourmet "chef," whose specialty was dessert….the more complex, the

better, and they were always perfect! He was very proud of developing a complicated

food menu based on recipes from "The French Laundry Restaurant" and then enlisted

(coerced?) the gourmet group to prepare the food for a special dinner. (They're still

friends!) Close friends were those in two gourmet groups, four-wheeling group,

Manhattan Club (New York, of course!), bridge groups, and First Lutheran church….Dinners for 8, small discussion group, and OWLS, retired persons' group.

He appreciated and collected fine art including paintings, Lladro porcelain pieces, painted China plates, and Norman Rockwell figurines.

The computer captured his interest after retirement where he developed skills playing

video games, creating photo cards, record-keeping, and other projects.

His recent favorite TV show was "Golden Girls" and he knew when to laugh!

Gary is survived by his wife Judy, and children Michelle Ann Klingenberg - 5/10/66 (daughter) Melonie Rae Deis - 1/23/68 (daughter) and friend Robert Fortner; Stephanie Jan Stover - 9/6/1969 (step-daughter) and friend Mark House; Andrew Jay Stover - 5/29/66 (step-son, married to Carmel). His grandchildren, Cody Klingenberg (grandson, married to Kelli); Brett Klingenberg (Michelle, mother)

Crystina Wallace (granddaughter and fiance Sean Lugenbeel, Melonie, mother), his great grandchild

Malcolm Gilbert Lugenbeel, son of Crystina and Sean. His brother Terry and his wife Paulette, a niece Tiffany, and his special pets: Schnauzer dog, Nikki (deceased); cat, Simba.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents, his first spouse Delores Kelstrup, and his two sons David and Daniel Hagge.

A visitation will be held on December 18 at 6:30-8:00pm, Swan Law Funeral Home, 501 N. Cascade, Colo. Springs. Burial will take place on December 19 at 9:00am, Fort Logan Cemetery, Denver. A Celebration of Life Service will then be held on Dec 19 at 3:00pm, First Lutheran Church, 1515 N. Cascade.

In lieu of flowers, suggested charity - Alzheimer's Association