Betty Ann (Stursa) Hagen, 95, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Keystone Care Center.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, September 16, at Grace Lutheran Church in Blairstown with Reverend Jeffrey Schanbacher officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 15, at the church. Interment will be held after the service at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, followed by a reception at the church.

Betty was born on June 24, 1931, in Marengo, Iowa to William and Estelle (Ballard) Stursa. She was united in marriage to Gilbert Hagen on February 1, 1949, and were rarely seen apart during their 73 years of marriage.

Betty and Gilbert spent their lives farming and raising a family starting out in the Conroy and Williamsburg areas, then moving to Blairstown in 1956 where they stayed for 12 years, then moving to the Van Horne area where they stayed until moving to a new home in Blairstown in 1995. They continued to farm after that with their son, Larry, who they had farmed with for almost 40 years, for an additional 8 years. After their retirement, Betty and Gilbert enjoyed their time traveling to various places, including Hawaii and a trip to California for the Super Bowl. They also made several trips to Texas each winter, where they spent time with friends and family.

Betty didn’t have much as a child but learned to cook, clean, and do laundry at an early age. She was so happy when her mom saved up money to buy her a swim pass for the summer and could go every day to the Marengo swimming pool, where she learned to be quite the swimmer.

She was a true farmer’s wife. She had a huge garden, mowed the lawn, cooked all the meals, took care of their home, and later, she helped Gilbert and Larry by driving tractor and could still put on a huge spread at dinnertime. She was an awesome cook known for her Kolaches, mac & cheese, and cinnamon rolls.

Betty was a caregiver for sure, taking care of her special needs son, Jeff, for many years, along with Larry and Sue. She loved children and helped at Sue’s child call center for many years, preparing lunch for kids and staff and where she was known as “Grandma Betty.” She loved Halloween and usually had over 80 kids that came to trick-or-treat and see all her decorations

She was a talented decorator and floral arranger. Her house was like a “winter wonderland” at Christmas, where her & dad hosted Christmas for the whole family every Christmas Eve until they were 80 years old.

Betty was a hard worker, a wonderful caregiver, and a fighter for her friends and family. She loved them fiercely and was always there for them. She will be missed by so many.

She is survived by her son, Larry (Theresa) of Blairstown; her daughter, Sue (Chuck) Junge of Belle Plaine; her grandchildren, Kristie (Rick) Schmuecker of Amana, Amy (Garin) Woodward of Amana, Melissa (Jason) Sauser of Lisbon, Angie (Rob) Lange of Cedar Rapids, and Wes Junge of Grinnell; several great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great granddaughters; her brother, James (Jeannie) Stursa of Owatanna, Minnesota; and her special friend and neighbor, Pam Behounek.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Estelle; her husband, Gilbert; her two sons, David and Jeff; her brother’s-in-law, Earl Hagen, Merlin (Selma) Hagen, Harlan (Marlene) Hagen; her sister’s-in-law, Norma (Elmer) Van Ahsen, Ilene (Chris) Heinichen, and Caryl Hagen.