JoAnn "Jody" (Kirsch) Hagen

JoAnn “Jody” (Kirsch) Hagen, 84, passed away at 9:22 p.m. Sunday, December 29, 2024 at OSF St. Anthony’s Healthcare Center. Born January 16, 1940 in Jerseyville, IL she was the daughter of Joseph and Hazel (Armstrong) Kirsch. She was in the first graduating class at the new Southwestern High School in 1957. Jody had worked for Jersey State Bank before beginning a daycare in her home. She was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey. On June 18, 1966 she married Robert F. Hagen at St. John’s Church in Medora, IL. He survives. Jody’s greatest joy was being a homemaker for her family and friends. She loved spending time together whether it was a holiday celebration or just a regular day. She loved to bake and prided herself on making many desserts. She enjoyed watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball, watching for birds in her yard, especially Cardinals, playing cards with friends and going out with the Southwestern Ladies. She loved reminiscing about her memories growing up on the farm. Jody enjoyed traveling in her earlier years to Washington State, Smoky Mountains, Arkansas, Yellowstone National Park and Canada. She loved to attend anything her grandkids participated in, never failing to attend even in cold, wind and rain. She was selfless and kind and devoted her time and energy to her family and friends and volunteering at the St. Ambrose Altar Society, St. Vincent DePaul, Bethalto KC Hall and Girl Scouts. Along with her husband she is survived by three children, Susan Cook (Kent) of Springfield, IL, Debbie Hagen of Godfrey, and Jenny King (Jayson) of Jerseyville, IL four grandchildren, Caitlin King, Corey King, Griffin Cook, and Chelsea King, and a sister, Fran Bellitto (Ron) of Medora, IL along with many nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, John “Bill” Kirsch and Louis James Kirsch, in infancy. There will be a prayer service beginning at 3:00 p.m. followed by a visitation until 6:00 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2025 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Visitation will continue from 9:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Gent Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey. Burial will be at St. Francis Cemetery in Jerseyville. Father Steven Janoski will officiate. Memorials may be made to St. Ambrose Community Outreach or The 5A’s Animal Shelter. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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JoAnn "Jody" (Kirsch) Hagen

January 16, 1940 - December 29, 2024