Ronnie "Ron" Hagel

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ronnie “Ron” Hagel, a beloved outdoorsman, father and friend who left us too early.

Ron Hagel was born on Sept. 23, 1951, in Billings. Ron left this world peacefully in the early morning hours of Oct. 31, 2024, at the age of 73, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings.

Ron was known for his outspoken character, his fighting spirit and his love for the outdoors. Ron’s spirit was as wild as the outdoors that he used to love. Ron loved telling jokes and stories, often exaggerating some of his fighting, fishing and hunting but could captivate his audience with his humor and storytelling. Ron was raised Catholic and was proud to be an altar boy at St. Mathias Church during grade school.

As a young man, he was known as a hard worker who enjoyed fast cars, racing and high school basketball. After Ron graduated from Ryegate High, class of 1970, he met and married Cynthia Ann Ostwald and had five children. Ron had a fulfilling career as a skilled meat cutter for over 50 years, where he dedicated himself to his jobs and his community. Outside of work, Ron had a profound love for the great outdoors. He enjoyed fishing and hunting with his brothers and children. His children have fond memories of their hunting and fishing trips.

Ron was preceded in death by his significant other of over 30 years, Pamela Black. He was also preceded in death by his father, Dominick Schaff; his mother, Rose Schaff; and Frank Hagel. Ron leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

He is survived by his daughters, Lisa Malcom and Lynetta Hagel-Grant; and his sons, Ronnie Hagel, Rickie Hagel and Randy Hagel; as well as his brothers, Don Schaff, Robert Hagel and Frank Hagel; and his sisters, Esther Lagerwey, Bernice Degele and Janet Thom. He will be missed by his grandchildren, Austin Hagel and Dylan Grant.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary at 1001 Alderson Ave., where family and friends can come together to commemorate the life of a remarkable man who lived his life to the fullest.

He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all that knew him. May he be at peace and may his spirit forever live on with his children, family, friends and among the mountains and lakes that he loved.