Burnell D. Hagen

#72 & 74 Burnell Dwaine “Hugo” Hagen (1919-2003) 1982-1985

1990-July 1993

Burnell Dwaine Hagen, son of Clarence Hagen and Charlotte E. Trowbridge, was born February 18, 1919 in Dows, Wright Counties, Iowa. The family removed to Hardin County where he obtained his early education. In 1928, the Hagen family settled in Nevada, Iowa where Mr. Hagen completed the remainder of his school career.

Mr. Hagen entered the U. S. Army on April 24, 1942 and three months later on July 25, 1942 he was married to Nevada native Genevieve Louise (Hoel) House, daughter of John Peter Hoel and Emma Jackson, in Tacoma, Washington. Genevieve, being the mother of two children, Hugo had an instant family. He served in the army in Alaska and was honorably discharged on June 14, 1945.

The family returned home to Nevada in 1956 where Mr. Hagen established a plumbing and heating business. He also was a co-founder and builder of the bowling alley in Nevada and in 1964 established Home Acres Trailer Court, a mobile home court covering approximately a three block area one block to the east of 10^th Street from P Avenue to T Avenue.

Hugo Hagen served two terms as mayor of Nevada. The first was from 1982 to 1985 and the second began in 1990 but ended abruptly, though not unexpectedly, when he resigned his position as mayor on July 6, 1993 stating his distaste for the “rhubarb” at city hall.

At that point city council could appoint a mayor or call for a special election at considerable expense. After a particularly contentious city council meeting, James R. Christy was appointed as mayor and filled out the rest of Mr. Hagen’s term.

During his tenure as mayor, Mr. Hagen saw the appointment of a city administrator as his most proud accomplishment. He was a member of veterans and community organizations,

Burnell Dwaine Hagen died on February 7, 2003 in Nevada. He was survived by his wife and two step-children.