Nona Grace Hagel

Nona (Pierce) Hagel passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. To know Nona was to know kindness, humility, and a quiet strength that never sought attention, yet left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Born on March 23, 1938, in Ellendale, North Dakota, Nona was raised on a farm just outside of town. Those early years shaped her character—teaching her the value of hard work, responsibility, and caring for others. She carried those lessons with her throughout her life, and they became the foundation of how she lived, worked, and loved.

Nona spent many years at Century Telephone, where she held a variety of roles and eventually retired as Customer Service Manager. Her success was never measured by title alone, but by the people she helped along the way. She had a natural gift for mentoring, especially young women, and took genuine pride in seeing others grow and succeed. As a founding member of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA), she was honored as “Woman of the Year” in 1983—recognition that reflected not only her leadership, but her generosity of spirit. Colleagues often recalled that she was one of the most appreciated and well liked managers in the company, a reflection of how deeply she cared about people.

Outside of work, Nona was simply one of the nicest people you could ever meet. She listened. She noticed. She showed up. Whether through a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or quiet support when it mattered most, she had a way of making people feel truly valued. Even in the later years of her life, while living in memory care, that part of her never faded. She quickly made friends, formed meaningful connections, and became a favorite of the caregiving staff—still offering warmth and grace, even as others cared for her.

Nona enjoyed bowling, golfing, traveling, and the simple pleasures of everyday life, but her greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who cherished time together—whether gathered for celebrations or simply sharing ordinary moments. Family was at the center of her world, and her love for them was constant, steady, and unconditional.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Milton and Freda Pierce; her brother, KC Pierce; her sister, Carolyn Jolstad; and her partner of many years, Spence Sedlmayer.

Nona is survived by her brother Keith Pierce, and her children and their families: Marc (Roxi) Hagel and daughter Kari (Dave) Kremer; Julie (Tim), with children James (Sara) Bertram, Erin (Michael) Clarke, and Ellen (Ian) Haynes; Steve (Pam) Hagel, with children Michael (Nicole) and Daniel (Ashley); and Andrea (Jeff) Wieser, with children Maxwell (Hannah), Neil (Pa), and Thomas Wieser; along with 19 cherished great grandchildren.

Nona lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, and quiet grace. Her legacy is not only in what she did, but in how she made people feel—and that legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Crucifixion Catholic Church in La Crescent, Minnesota. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., with a eulogy offered at 11:15 a.m. Online condolences may be shared at www.schumacher kish.com.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Women’s Fund of La Crosse (womensfundlacrosse.org), Cure Alzheimer's Fund (curealz.org), or to the charity of your choice.