COLUMBUS
Francis M. Hager, 87, of Columbus, passed from this life at 2:18 p.m. Friday, May 8, 2020 at the Four Seasons Health Care Center.
He was born May 5, 1933, in Tunbridge, ND, the son of Alexander and Barbara Hager. He was number 10 of 12 children born to them in total. After graduating from Assumption Abbey High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Korea. Upon returning from Korea, he was stationed at Ft. Jackson in Columbia, SC until his discharge. During his time there he met and married Barbara Hall on October 5, 1955. Frank then attended school to learn diesel engine repair in St. Louis. Upon finishing his coursework, he took a job in Tioga, ND where he repaired diesel engines in the shop and out on the open road, many times in a howling snowstorm. After a few years he moved his family to Ft. Wayne, IN and enrolled in Indiana Institute of Technology (now IN Tech) and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. He did this while also holding down a full time job as night manager of a trucking repair center in order to support his growing family. He always admired the Cummins diesel engine so was very happy to accept a job offer from Cummins Engine Company and move his family to Columbus. He worked for Cummins for 35 years, retiring in 1999, but continued doing consulting work for 15 more years. During his time with Cummins he designed and patented several innovations for the company. His proudest achievement was leading the design and development of the Cummins B and C engines used in Dodge Ram trucks and other vehicles today.
Frank was a faithful member of St. Columba/St. Bartholomew parish. He served in many capacities over the years. He helped put together the first CCD classes with Fr. Gleason, helped start the CYO programs, looked after the boiler and kept it in good running order, sang in the choir and cantored, trained altar servers for 51 years and took communion to nursing homes and shut ins twice a week for more than 30 years. He also greatly enjoyed being a member of Columbus City band and playing handball until he was in his early 70’s. Frank was also a longtime volunteer for Our Hospice of South Central IN. He loved people and always had a smile and a kind word for everyone.
Frank is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara Hager, twin daughters, Camilla Gehring of Columbus, IN and Veronica Kagley of IL, Tim Hager of Columbus, IN, Michele Hager-Harrison-Prado of MO, Bridget Mitchell of MI and Damian Hager of Lima, Peru. In addition, he is survived by grandchildren Jill Farrell, Scott Collyer, Sarah and Matthew Hager, Dominic and William Gehring, John Kagley, Emily Mitchell and Xavier Hager as well as two great-granddaughters, Cody and Casey Farrell. He has one surviving brother, Joseph, and three sisters, Bregetta, Dorothy and Alysce.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, Teresa, Ann, Lucy, Sr. Anella and Cecilia; two brothers, Emanuel and Adrian, and one infant daughter, Barbara Frances.
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, private entombment will be at Garland Brook Mausoleum with Father Chris Wadelton officiating.
Military honors will be presented by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard. Once it is safe to have a memorial mass, family and friends will gather to celebrate his life and memory.
The family request that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 1300 27th St. Columbus. IN 47201; Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 E. 17th St. Columbus, IN 47201; or BHI Foundation, 5415 Bearberry Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46268. Arrangements were made by Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Hager family at barkesweaverglick.com
