Bruce Hageman

Bruce E Hageman, age 69 years, of Ithaca, NE, passed away on Friday February 27, 2026, surrounded by his family and friends. He is now free of his body that was failing him.

He was born in Wahoo, NE to Earl and Marilyn Hageman. Bruce grew up on the family farm, loving the outdoor experiences. Bruce, along with his sister Pam, appreciated their mother’s love of animals as she permitted pets of all types (dogs, cats, raccoons, birds, bunnies, etc) during their growing years. While growing up, he enjoyed the life of the outdoors, and became an Eagle Scout, developing skills for camping, hiking, integrity and other lifelong skills.

Bruce went to a one-room schoolhouse (District 102) in the country, then transferred to Wahoo where he graduated from Wahoo High School (1974). Upon graduation, he started work in construction, followed by 30 years as a Pipefitter at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber plant in Lincoln. While at Goodyear, he enjoyed meeting many lifelong friends who shared his interests. Upon retirement from Goodyear, he started his own business (Home Repair Plus LLC) where he enjoyed working out of his beloved shop to find ways to fix the smaller jobs.

Bruce was known for his charm, quick wit and loving nature. He loved cars and car shows, with his last collector car being a 55 Chevy. He became an avid fisherman and hunter, spending as much time as he could toward these activities. He loved his friends who routinely went to Missouri to fish, and his engagement as part of a tight knit four-some who routinely went to Minnesota and other locations for fishing and hunting for nearly 35 years. He lost part of his heart when his friend Jerry passed during a fishing trip.

In March of 1985, he married his loving wife Patricia (Pat) Hageman, and together they shared nearly 41 years of marriage. Bruce was devoted husband, and together they lived a life where they had a “his” “hers” and “ours” philosophy for traveling. He loved being in a boat for hours and weeks, yet together Bruce and Pat loved to travel for hiking and many outdoor activities. As an outgoing couple, they enjoyed friends and family who spanned many circles; from their work, church and Ithaca families, and pretty much any one they met.

He loved his and Pat’s family and engaged in all types of family activities. The families knew he was “there” for them. He was the uncle that taught the nieces and nephews how to shoot guns, drive the ATV’s and tell stories. He became especially close to his sister Pam; and together they shared a special relationship that grew stronger over time.

Bruce is survived by his wife Patricia; his sister Pamela (Pam) Bergwell, and his brothers-in-law William Payne (Sandra), David Deranja, and Jim Bergwell. His nieces and nephews Anjelle Frantz (Dale), Michael (Julie), Rachel, Sean, Nicole and Grace; great nephew Blake Reed (Danielle) and great nieces Jamie Reed and River Payne. He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Marilyn.

Services will occur on Saturday March 14th, starting with a joint visitation/coffee time from 1 to 3 pm, followed by the funeral service, all at the United Methodist Church of Ithaca. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Nebraska Stroke Association, or the University of Nebraska Foundation for the Pat & Bruce Hageman Physical Therapy Alumni Scholarship Fund 01106840.