Mary Ellen “Tootie” Hageman

Tuesday, March 31, 2015 3:00 pm

Mary Ellen “Tootie” Hageman, 67, of Ossian, died Saturday, March 28, 2015, at her home. Mass of Christian Burial was at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, with Monsignor Cletus Hawes officiating. Mass servers were Makayla Hageman, Sawyer and Sierra Breitsprecher. Lector was Sarah Buchheit. Pianist was Deb Scheidel. The St. Francis de Sales Choir sang “Here I am, Lord,” “Jesus Christ, Bread of Life,” “Hosea” “A New Day – Celine Deon” and “On Eagle’s Wings.” Offertory gift bearers were Paul and Gertie Kuennen. Eucharistic ministers were Lynn Ptacek, Julie Franzen and Danielle Rose. Casket bearers were Shawn Breitsprecher, Dan Breitsprecher, Clay Breitsprecher, Marcus Wettleson, Rick Hageman and Mike Hageman. Interment was at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery in Ossian. Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah.

Mary Ellen “Tootie” (Breitsprecher) Hageman was born April 16, 1947, the daughter of Lyle J. and Mildred E. (Svendsen) Breitsprecher in Decorah. Mary Ellen graduated from South Winneshiek High School in 1965. She lived in Cedar Rapids and worked for Rockwell Collins for a short time. Mary Ellen was united in marriage to Herbert Hageman Oct. 11, 1969, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, and they were the parents of three children: Amy, Leah and Chris. Tootie was a homemaker and farmwife, and she was a great cook and baker. She took great pride in taking care of her home, yard and her family. Tootie enjoyed music, helping others, visiting with all and having a positive attitude no matter what the situation. She enjoyed always having her family and siblings gather at her home for get-togethers. Her greatest love was for her family, but especially for her two grandchildren, Madison and Tye. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother and will be missed greatly. Tootie was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, where she enjoyed singing at church.

Mary Ellen is survived by her husband, Herb Hageman, Ossian; two children, Leah (Troy) Anderson, Decorah and Chris Hageman, Ossian; two grandchildren, Madison and Tye; one brother, David and Pam Breitsprecher, Ossian; one sister, Jo Ann Ott, Ossian; one sister-in-law, Marilyn Breitsprecher, Ossian; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Ron and Cathy Hageman, Calmar; Delbert and Mary Ann Hageman, Ossian; Paul and Gertie Kuennen, Lawler; and Roger and Joyce Hageman, Ossian; along with many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and -nephews. 

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her daughter, Amy Marie Hageman, Aug. 7, 2011; her parents, Lyle J. and Mildred E. (Svendsen) Breitsprecher; her father- and mother-in-law, Ray and Florence (Gerleman) Hageman; one sister, Wanda (Bob) Wettleson; two brothers, Lee Breitsprecher and Gary Breitsprecher; brother-in-law, Darrell Ott; nephews and niece: Gary Hageman, Joy Breitsprecher and Darin Hageman.