After graduating high school in Fairmont, Minn. in 1983, Melanie moved to Faribault where she was employed as a counselor at the Wilson Center. She later worked at the Juvenile Corrections in Red Wing. Melanie had a love for child psychology and the study of psychiatrics.

In her own words, Melanie writes, “My greatest influences in life were my mother, Velma Wickert, and my former high school teacher, Mr. Mike Katzenmeier. Both believed in me and inspired me.

In 1992, I met and married the love of my life, Darren Hagen. Shortly thereafter our lives were completed with the addition of our daughter, Madi Jo. Over the years Darren and I embarked on many small business enterprises such as Tiger Town Kids Child Care and Learning Center, Hagen Excavation, Darmel Properties, and Thrifty Mama. Due to ongoing health problems, I was forced to retire in 2015.”

Melanie retained many of her High School friends over the years. During her final days, those same special friends, along with her husband Darren, daughter Madi Jo, and sister, Julie, lovingly carried her through her darkest hours.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Velma Wickert, and mother and father-in-law, Sharon and Roger Hagen. Melanie is survived by her husband Darren Hagen, daughter, Madi Jo Hagen, and siblings, Jon Wickert, Mark Wickert, Shelley Nelson, Julie (Wickert) Spronk, and Del Spronk. The family wishes to give special thanks to her cousin, Jim Brown, and wife Alicia.

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