Dale "Hoagie" Haagenson

Dale “Hoagie” Haagenson, 65, Duluth, MN, passed away Tuesday, February 17th. He was born on November 29, 1960 to Robert and Rita (Hart) Haagenson in Ely, MN. He was a beloved son, brother, cousin, and uncle, as well as a loyal friend.

Dale grew up in the small town of Babbitt, in Northern Minnesota. There he developed a passion for all things athletics. As a child, he played hockey, baseball, and football on organized youth teams. As a teenager, he served as the student manager for the hockey, baseball, and football teams of Babbitt High School. Dale graduated from Babbitt High School with the class of 1980.

In 1981, he moved to Duluth, and began volunteering with the UMD Athletics Department as an Assistant Equipment Manager to the Men’s Hockey team. He held this position proudly for over four decades, forming lifelong bonds with UMD Athletics staff and players year after year. Hoagie embodied the motivational spirit of the team, joyfully celebrating three National Championship wins in 2011, 2018, and 2019. There was a Men’s Hockey scholarship started in his name, and in 2017, Hoagie was inducted into the UMD Athletics Hall of Fame. During his extensive career, Dale also served as a volunteer for the UMD Women’s Hockey team, as well as the UMD Football, Soccer, and Baseball teams. Aside from his work with UMD, Dale also served as a beloved volunteer with the Duluth Huskies Baseball team for over two decades.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Haagenson; and his mother, Rita (Hart) Haagenson. He is survived by his older brother, Dean Haagenson; his nieces, Kimberly Caudillo Haagenson, and Amanda Haagenson; along with many other loving relatives and friends. Family extends a special thanks to the kind-hearted staff and players (both former and current) of the UMD Athletics Department and the Duluth Huskies Baseball team; the friendships you shared over the years and love you showed for Hoagie in his last days have touched our hearts and we are forever grateful.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the GoFundMe dedicated to Hoagie, his funeral/Celebration of Life, and his UMD Men's Hockey Scholarship.

The Celebration of Life will be at the AMSOIL Arena on Tuesday, February 24th from 11:00am-1:00pm, program beginning at 12:00pm. The Celebration of Life will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/jrLf2sTyDb0?si=RzgNR62RBmxfHqzZ

Funeral Mass for close family and friends will be at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, on Monday, February 23, 2026. Visitation from 4:30pm-6:00pm, Mass at 6:00pm, and reception to follow.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555.