John A. Hagedorn

John A. Hagedorn, age 78, passed away on October 14, 2025, at home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.

John was born December 2, 1946, in Merrill to Hugo O. Hagedorn and Ruffina L. (Fruend) Hagedorn. He was a 1964 graduate of Merrill High School. He also attended UW Madison under a scholarship by the Farm Short Course program.

John married Roselin ‘Rose’ A. Harris on June 21, 1975. They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.

John and Rose owned and operated Smiling John’s Christmas Trees in the Township of Pine River, Merrill. His passion for his trees showed in his manicured fields and his smile. Creating and celebrating Christmas traditions for families always meant a lot to him.

John worked with his father on the dairy farm for many years. He served under the Army National Guard from 1965 until 1971 as a Track Vehicle Mechanic. He qualified as a Marksman for pistol, Sharp Shooter for rifle, and Expert for rifle.

John was also a home builder for most of his adult life. He was proud to make families’ dreams come true. Building homes, apartment buildings, and offices from Lake Du Bay to the Minocqua area. John also was a real estate broker.

John was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Merrill and served as an Elder for many years.

Survivors include his wife, Rosie; and special girls, Hannah, Ally, Lexi, Maddie, Katie, Sophie, Grace, and Lea. He was known as Papa John to his special grands. John is further survived by his brother, Edward (Polly) Hagedorn of Merrill; sisters, Patricia Hagedorn and Bonnie (Steve) Huth both of Merrill; sister-in-law, Judy Hagedorn of Wausau; brothers-in-law, Ray (Dena) Harris and Dorwin (Sue) Harris both of Merrill; many nieces and nephews; and two great nieces.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo and Ruffina Hagedorn; and brothers, Charles and Doug.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 301 Eagle Dr., Merrill. Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Burial will take place in St. James Cemetery, Town of Pine River, Lincoln County. Family will receive friends from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., Monday, October 27, 2025 and after 9:30 A.M., Tuesday, October 28, 2025 all at the funeral home.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com