Libbie Marie Hagedorn began life in Neillsville, Wisconsin on May 23, 1920, the fourth child of Frank and Mary Kopecky. Libbie died on January 13, 2013, in the care of Hospice House at The Heritage in Appleton, Wisconsin.
After several stops within Wisconsin, the Kopecky family resided on a small farm outside of Pewaukee, where many great times are still talked about to this day. Along with her three brothers, Jerry, Steve and Frank, Libbie learned the hard lessons of life from her father and mother. She learned the value of hard work and of saving for the future. Along the way and just prior to World War II, Libbie met Carleton (Curley) W. Hagedorn, who shared her love of life, and they were married before Curley went overseas for 27 months to serve in Europe in World War II. Upon his return, they started a family, first with daughter Karen (Hagedorn) Polansky and Ric Polansky of Mojacar, Spain; and second, with a son Steve Hagedorn and Marge Cabanski, of Anchorage, Alaska. Libbie’s family meant everything to her, and she often said that though the distances between her daughter and son were far, the closeness of the family should be the envy of all. She was particularly and hugely proud of her five grandsons, Joby, Luke and Micah Polansky of Spain, and Blaine and Ben Hagedorn, of Anchorage, Alaska.
Libbie was extremely active, and when she wasn’t traveling to Spain and Alaska, she loved all her days on her beloved Dake Lake in Waupaca, Wisconsin, where she and Curley had retired in 1981. All visitors were welcomed to “Dakeplace”, and the sharing of food was a particular focus of Libbie. Libbie was generous in giving of her time and energy, and was a weekly participant at the Waupaca Hospital Auxillary for over 20 years. She was a bowler throughout most of her life, and became the Wisconsin State Champion in the Class “C” Division. She lived for the start of every new Packer season, and followed the team closely over all the years she lived. Libbie had many great friends throughout her life, but the kindness of her friends and neighbors over the last few years, was remarkable. Her spirit never waned, even when she was told she had cancer. She lived each day with a joy that could be seen and felt by those around her. She was a wonderful daughter, mother, aunt, grandmother and friend. She will be missed.
Per Libbie’s wishes, no funeral is planned. Family and friends will be notified of a future date for a remembrance and memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Waupaca Hospital Women’s Auxillary. The Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.