Walter Gus Hagstrom

Walter “Gus” Hagstrom went to be with Laverne, his loving wife of 60 years, on April 22, 2012. He was born April 6, 1921 of Swedish immigrant parents, Gust and Ester Hagstrom, in Oil City Pennsylvania. Gus grew up during the depression in the small town on the Alleghany River spending his free time hiking, fishing, playing the violin, and because it was the depression, even gathering parts to build his first bicycle.

In 1940 he graduated Oil City High School, and on August 8 of that year, with a group of five friends, enlisted in the service. Being somewhat slim in stature, Gus had to gain five pounds to qualify. While on maneuvers in Louisiana he met his future bride at the Hippodrome roller skating rink. One of his duties at the time was running the projector. One December evening while operating the projector at the base theater, they were told of the attack on Pearl Harbor. During his time in England at Allied headquarters under General Eisenhauser, Gus played a part in the planning of the invasion of North Africa (Operation Torch). His skills at reading aerial imagery were put to use. As a foot soldier, he participated in the invasion of Sicily and the war in Italy. He was a Sergeant in the 182th Corps of Engineers. During the war he was a battalion photographer and in North Africa did survey work for the construction of runways for allied planes. He was in Italy at the time of VE day and shipped home after 4 years overseas.

After the war he returned to Oil City. While visiting Laverne in Evansville Indiana, he found a job as lithographer at Mead Johnson. On August 22, 1946 he and Laverne exchanged wedding vows at the Methodist Church in Marion Kentucky. Within a year they had their first of two sons, Garry. Seven years later son Steven Erik was born. Also in 1954 Gus and Laverne purchased a home at 1717 E. Mulberry where they lived the next 52 years.

Gus was an avid photographer joining the Evansville Camera club. While a member he won numerous awards including a national recognition for one of his photos. He maintained his love of photography throughout his life. He worked for Smith and Butterfield, an office and photographic supply company, as a traveling salesman. Sometime in the early 1960’s he took a position in management at Mead Johnson. He was in charge of the phone system, the mail room and the graphic design dept. He worked there until his retirement in 1982.

While his sons were growing up he was very active in the Boy Scouts. Gus was a Cub Scout Master, an Assistant scoutmaster in Boy Scouts and a member of the Order of the Arrow. He was part of the team founding the Muskegon trail in Evansville. While in scouting his family sponsored a visiting English scout visiting Southern Indiana.

Gus and Laverne were active for over 50 years at Calvary Baptist Church in Evansville. He helped run the sound system. They were active as volunteers in the church’s community outreach program. They both were very engaged in their Sunday school classes.

In 2006 he and Laverne moved to Katy, TX. They lived at the Carriage Inn, an independent living facility. After Laverne’s death in 2007 he remained there until his declining health required a move to Brighton Gardens in Bellaire, TX. He enjoyed his two years at Brighton Gardens and made many friends.

He is survived by two children: son Garry and wife Teresa, their children Eric and wife Lisa, Brad and wife Kristen, Lindsay and husband Bobby, and Brian; son Erik and wife Stephanie, their children Will and Sarah. Brother Nels and wife Marlene, their 4 children, Brother Ray and his daughter, many cousins and nephews and nieces (some in Sweden) also survive him.

He will be remembered for his zest of life and his ability to light up a room. Although missed, never forgotten. In lieu of flowers please donate to your charity of choice in Gus’s name.