Kenneth J. Haagen's Obituary
Kenneth Jackson Haagen
November 18, 1929 – March 14, 2023
Kenneth Haagen, a lifetime Tacoma resident, passed away on March 14, 2023 at the age of 93.
Born on November 18, 1929 to Harlo E. Haagen and Elsie M. Haagen (nee Jackson), Ken graduated from Lincoln High School in 1947. He attended Washington State College – Go Cougs! He enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, California, where he aided in “ensuring the safety of California.”
Ken married his high school sweetheart, LaVonne M. Nowasky, on June 21, 1952 and they went on to share 64 ½ years of marriage. LaVonne preceded Ken in death on January 4, 2017.
Ken was employed by ASARCO for 36 years where he worked as an accountant. Very knowledgeable about the history and workings of the smelter, it was a day of mixed emotions when the ASARCO smokestack, once the tallest smokestack in the world, was demolished on January 17, 1993.
An avid bowler, he competed in several leagues over many years. Ken was also a lifetime Elks member as well as a lifetime member of the Mountaineers. As a young man, he climbed to the top of Mt. Rainier two times. Always a Cougar, he cheered for WSU teams, as well as the Seahawks.
Ken was a member of the Olympia Christadelphian Ecclesia.
Preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne, parents Harlo and Elsie Haagen, and brother Gerald H. Haagen, Ken is survived by his and LaVonne’s daughters, Nancy J. Haagen and Janice M. Steele, and grandchildren, Ashley J. Bowen and Austin D. Bowen.
A Celebration of Life ceremony is planned for Friday, November 17th at 2 P.M. at Mountain View Cemetery, 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, WA. 98499
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