The class of 71 did a toast in Chad’s honor on Monday at our monthly breakfast. Many shared memories. One of my memories was of Chad - the fastest runner in Junior High facing off with the fastest female - can’t remember who won! And I remember trying out for cheerleading as an eighth grader for freshman year. Chad was one of the judges. I was so scared because he was such a “big man on campus”. But, I wouldn’t have been a good cheerleader anyway! Great guy and one of the best of our class.

I first worked with Chad at the Consolidated Gas station on North Broadway in Menomonie and later we both worked at Don's Super Valu in the early 70s. Chad worked in Produce, and I worked in Grocery. My most memorable times with Chad was when Chad, along with Bill Ryder, Brian Husby and myself traveled to Prescott Arizona during spring break to see some of his classmates that had moved there. This was probably in the spring of 1972 or 1973. I remember Chad had a brand-new green Chevy Chevelle or Nova that we drove out to Arizona. Along the way we stopped at some of the scenic sites like Meteor Crater and the Grand Canyon. At Meteor Crater we all actually hiked down to the bottom of the crater and back again. I don't think they let you do that now. We went to the 4 Corners, got turned back at one of the mountain passes due to heavy snow in Colorado since we didn't have chains or radial tires on the car. We had to reroute back into New Mexico adding about 150 miles extra for the trip. After spending the night In Durango Co we power drove back to Menomonie, but not before loading up on Coors beer in Nebraska since at that time you couldn't buy it in Wisconsin ( I was the only one that was 21 at the time) so they sent me into the liquor store as the buyer. I remember Bill Ryder being the instigator on that idea, not Chad for sure. I ran into Chad maybe a few times over the years since then. The last time I remember seeing him was at Camp Randall in Madison in the early 2000s when Menomonie was playing for a football championship. Chad was a great friend to many, he will be missed. My condolences to his family.

Kayln & Bryn ~ Loosing a parent is an unbelievable grief but the fond and loving memories will carry you forward to brighter days and he will always be with you! Love you both so much

Chad was a wonderful man and we are very glad that he was in your life. We are also very glad that we were able to tell him in person just how appreciative we were that he was able to help raise our niece Tawny into the lovely young woman she is today. We know he is at peace. He will sorely be missed. Sincerely, Ralph and Pat Zellem

So very sorry to hear this. Was on the MHS track team with Chad. Our sincere sympathy to all of the Hagen family. Ron and Marge Kothlow