Bruce A. Hagan, 69, of Huntley, died peacefully, January 24, 2023 after a nine week hospitalization.
Bruce was born on April 28, 1953, in Chicago, the son of James and Helen Hagan (Coduti).
At a young age he had a knack for fixing things and a curiosity about how things worked.
His early interest in computers eventually led to his career in IT. Following his graduation from Lane Tech high school he went on to graduate from Wright Junior College. He took the following year to work and prepare, to finish his degree at University of Illinois. In 1975, as a pedestrian, Bruce was involved in a hit and run accident that left him a paraplegic. After a 10 month recovery his focus remained on continuing his life’s direction. He went on to graduate from Southern Illinois University with a degree in Marketing.
Following college, he accepted a position in management with Sears which required him to leave Chicago and move to Minneapolis where he spent the next 39 years. His career continued at General Mills, and finally, United Health Care. Throughout this time Bruce was involved in his condominium association as president and in his Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church in New Hope, MN where he served in many capacities.
In 1998 Bruce reconnected with a friend from his youth. Although Bruce and Gale had met in high school and shared in a circle of friends, it wasn’t until this reunion and the year that followed that their love bloomed and they realized they wanted to share it together. Bruce and Gale became life partners and truly supported each other in all that they did. Bruce was courageous, independent, a quiet leader. He enjoyed reading non-fiction, photography, time on his bike, current events and supporting the Minnesota Gophers. Bruce and Gale decided it was time to return home to Chicago and for the last eight and a half years have enjoyed life at Del Webb. Despite ongoing health complications resulting from the accident, Bruce continued to focus on the present keeping his positive outlook and determination to live his life to the fullest.
He was a loving brother, life partner and friend to many. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his brother, Jim Hagan (Don Marvin), by Gale Minnice his life
partner of 23 years and by many friends and cousins who will continue to celebrate the memory of his remarkable life.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 4-8pm at DeFiore
Funeral Home -10763 Dundee Road, Huntley, IL. A second visitation will be held at
Friday, February 3, 2023 starting at 9:00am at St. Mary Catholic Church - 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley with Mass
at 10:00am. After Mass, burial will take place at Huntley Cemetery concluding with a funeral luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be directed to Huntley Area Public Library (1100 Ruth Road, Huntley Il. 60142).
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Bruce had a great attitude. He would teach classes at the Computer Club and declined to have anyone help him. I will certainly miss his intelligent classes. He was a great guy.
Bruce never let his handicap get the better of him and lived the Sun City active lifestyle to its fullest, enjoying, participating in and even leading various Club activities. We will miss his enthusiasm. May he rest in peace.
Dear Gale and family , our Sincerest sympathy. Bruce was such a lovely man heart an soul, He always had a smile on his face like everything was great in his world. If one had a question he was always happy to answer it with great knowledge and a smile on his face. This is a time for gathering all the best of a good life and holding it in the heart forever. May you RIP friend & neighbor.
Our warmest condolences Bruce was truly remarkable and will be greatly missed.
Bruce was a charming, kind and wonderful guy with a great sense of humor. His strength of character and ability to adapt to life changes was admirable. He will be missed by many. My warmest wishes for Gale so that her memories of Bruce bring her joy and peace.
Bruce Hagan, a long time member of the Current Events Club and an officer of the Symposium Club, passed away on Tuesday evening of January 24. We will all miss Bruce for his intellect, passion and the inspiration he gave to all of us. Despite many medical adversities, I have never met a more upbeat person. Please keep Bruce's family in your thoughts and prayers
Bruce was always a testimony to faith for us. I (Lisa) have thought about him many times since he left our Parish Community of St Joseph where we were Stephens Ministers together. And I think of you Gail every time I read Pete "Cows that Type", a book you gave when he was born. Our own journey with a child with a rare disorder has been challenging but Bruce's testimony of traveling a challenging journey with hope and grace, provided us some guidance for our path too. We know he is smiling down from heaven. While we wish we could be there to celebrate his life with all of you, we will say an extra prayer here at St. Joes. Godspeed Bruce!
I have only known Bruce a short while, and I am saddened to hear about his passing. My warmest condolences to you Gale and to Bruces's family.
I have only known Bruce a short while, and I am saddened to hear about his passing. My warmest condolences to you Gale and to Bruces's family.
I was so sad to learn about Bruce's death. He was such a sweet kind human being and I loved seeing him at the Friday morning Life Long Learning programs. He came to the majority of them. I will be at his wake and will miss him "life long".
I had the great pleasure of working for Bruce and Gale when they lived in Plymouth, Minnesota as their household assistant and as Gale's teacher's aide. Bruce was always such a kind, caring person with an "ever-positive" outlook every time I saw him. We went to some Gopher basketball games together and it was such a treat for both of us to watch those games at court side. Helping Gale with household chores and keeping her school classroom neat and organized was always fun too! Both Bruce and Gale have been a special memory and joy in my life. I wish you peace Gale, and may your pleasant memories with Bruce be a comfort to you always.
Bruce was the most courageous & upbeat person I ever knew. We had so much fun growing up together. He will be deeply missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. cherish the many years of memories you have .
Gale, Tom and I are sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing from Jim and want to extend our deepest sympathy and appreciation for knowing him and of all the kindness he shared with us.
Gale, you are in my prayers as you continue to remember & celebrate Bruce’s life & go through your life journey.