Jack A. Hagist

Jack A. Hagist, age 66, of Bellevue passed away peacefully at home on Monday morning, July 5, 2021. He was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on May 3, 1955 to Jack Emsley Hagist and Vincenza "Synne" Elizabeth (Volpe) Hagist. Jack grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1973 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School.

Once Jack completed his undergraduate degree at Central Michigan University, he bought his first house in Battle Creek, proposed to Sue Ellen Saye and they began building their lives together. The high school sweethearts were united in marriage in 1979. Though Jack once envisioned himself moving to the mountains and becoming a ski instructor, his love for Sue inspired him to stay local and begin putting down roots. They welcomed their first two of four kids while fixing up their starter home on Emmett Street. While pursuing his MBA at Western University, Jack and Sue were also building their new home, a cabin in the woods, in Bellevue and added two more to their growing family.

Jack was a hardworking Kellogg's employee for 38 years where he started as a Computer Programmer and advanced his way up to Vice President of Global Business Solutions before retiring in 2015. Jack will be fondly remembered as a straight-shooter, humble and accepting of all. Friends would describe him as "easy to know" and wise with a self-confidence and love that draws you in. His humor was contagious, and his "Jack-isms" will linger with us all and be passed down to future generations.

Surviving Jack are Sue, his beloved wife of 42 years; his mother, Synne Hagist; his children, Christopher (Kate) Hagist of Portage, Tyler Jack (Megan) Hagist of Battle Creek, Brianne (Adam) Mayhew of Kalamazoo, and Megan (Samuel) Weiser Novak of San Diego, CA; five beautiful grandchildren devoted to their "Grumpa"; and two brothers, Todd (Pam) Hagist of Battle Creek and Matt (Mary) Hagist of Fayetteville, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack E. Hagist.

Jack attended First Presbyterian Church, and served on the board of the Kellogg Community Credit Union. He loved being Up North on the bay surrounded by the ones he loved and his two pesky dachshunds, Lily and Lucy. Jack's family hopes you all think of him as you enjoy the warm lakes this summer season.

The family looks forward to celebrating Jack's life with you from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Sunday, July 11th at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek. A Christian Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 12th at the First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek with Rev. Pat J. Weatherwax, officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Charitable Union of Battle Creek. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Jack may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.