Mr. Walter D. "Walt" Dagen

Mr. Walter D. “Walt” Dagen, 74, of Galesburg, Illinois died on Friday, September 2, 2022, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg. 

He was born October 30, 1947, in Galesburg to Gilbert R. and Fern L. (Leadbetter) Dagen.  Walt graduated from Galesburg High School in 1965 and married Joann Greene on May 30, 1966.    

He is survived by Joann, his wife of 56 years, who was his partner in life, in health, and in sickness.  Also surviving is his son, Andrew (and Meredith) Dagen of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, two daughters, Jennifer Gilbreath of Kitty Hawk, and Alicia Meinert of Normal, Illinois, a brother, Michael (and Cheryl) Dagen of Galesburg and seven grandchildren, Haley Robinson, Ethan Gilbreath, Kennedy Meinert, Dagen Gilbreath, Emily Meinert, Genevieve Olinger, and Drew Dagen.  He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Donna Goodlow, Kay Johnson, and Karen King. 

In 1985, he founded Walt Dagen Construction.  From a simple start out of his garage, he built and expanded the business with a level of mental drive and physical work that seemed beyond human capability.  After nearly 30 years, he semi-retired from the business in 2017.   Walt was an outdoorsman.  He fished rivers, lakes, and the ocean.  He hunted quail, rabbit, and pheasant with dogs that he trained himself.  He hunted deer for many years and turkey on occasion.  He picked up golf in semi-retirement and enjoyed a good round with his brother, Mike.  If you could catch him indoors, you would often find him playing cards.  He loved a good pitch tournament and could be a frustratingly skilled opponent at any card game.  This helped earn him many special nicknames amongst friends and family.  “Pain” was a popular one that started with Cousin Vivian.    

Walt was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan and cheered in person a few times at US Bank Stadium.  He and Joann went on many travel adventures, and they happily spent the last few winters in the Florida Keys. 

Walt spent his last good day operating a backhoe for Walt Dagen Construction.  He never fully retired.  His drive and hard work did not fade until his very last breath.  He will be missed.    

Visitation will be 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 9, 2022, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel.  A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at Cactus Country 3075 West Main Street.  Memorials may be made to Mayo Clinic Cancer Research 200 First St. SW   Rochester, MN 55905 or online at https://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donateMC .    Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mr. Walter D. "Walt" Dagen, please visit our floral store.