Yvonne Corinne (Canton) Hagberg was born May 17, 1928 in Watson, MN and passed away March 14, 2023 in Buffalo, MN.
The only child and cherished daughter of Philip and Corinne Canton, Yvonne was raised to love her Norwegian heritage and proudly shared a May 17 birthdate (Syttende Mai, Norwegian Constitution Day) with her mom, Corinne. Yvonne spent her childhood in Watson, with her huge array of Norwegian cousins. She was both baptized and confirmed at the country church, Zion Lutheran.
After the Great Depression, the family moved to Minneapolis so her parents could find work. She attended high school in Minneapolis and graduated with the Class of 1946 at Washburn High School.
Yvonne fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a nurse by going to Northwestern Hospital School of Nursing. She became a Registered Nurse and built lifelong relationships with her nursing classmates whom she counted as close friends throughout adulthood. Yvonne worked as a nurse in hospitals, nursing homes and as one of the first hospice nurses.
During nurse’s training, Yvonne went home for the weekend with her roommate, who lived in Buffalo Lake, MN. It was there at a church supper that she met Stan Hagberg, a local boy, who was to become her husband. They married August 19, 1950 and Yvonne moved from the city to the farm!
Their two daughters, Julie and Janet, were born in the 50s and grew up with their mother as a role model of career woman and leader, active in her church, her community and her neighborhood.
Yvonne married into the sports-minded Hagberg family and became an avid Minnesota Twins and Gopher fan. She loved reading, Book Clubs, movies, and theater.
Stan and Yvonne moved from the farm to Waite Park, MN in 1999. After Stan passed, Yvonne moved to an apartment at Havenwood in Buffalo, MN. They also spent many winters in Maui and later in Arizona. Wherever they lived or visited, Stan and Yvonne added to their long list of good friends.
Throughout her life, Yvonne was known for her unique ability to make friends and maintain relationships. She showed her genuine interest in others by asking questions – to longtime friends, as well as those she had just met. “Grandma Yvonne’s questions” were her trademark!
Yvonne lived through a changing world: World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the beginning of television, the invention of space travel, the microwave, the internet, the iPhone. Through it all, she embraced new things and loved to learn.
Her legacy is the people she loved and who loved her.
She is survived by daughters Julie Swaggert (Dennis Hennessy) and Janet (Tom) Knoll; her treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren Nathan (Cathy) Sing and children Peyton, Anthony, Preston, Aleigha, Jenessa. Marc (Beth) Sing and children Sienna, Audrie, Mila. Malinda O’Brien and children Elliana, Jayden, Blake. Kia (Brandon) Prell and children Kallen, Mira, Stanton. Brent (Angie) Swaggert and children Reese, Tora. Tyson (KatieJo) Swaggert and children Archer, Aikin and precious great-great granddaughter Hayzel.
She is also survived by her brothers-in-law and their wives, Ralph and Ruby Hagberg, Arild and Betty Hagberg; step-grandchildren Christopher Knoll, Samantha (Nicholas) Hemmesch, Gavin (Whelma) Hennessy and their children along with numerous other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Stan, her parents Phil and Corinne, and infant daughter and sister-in-law and husband Avis and Dick Walter.
In memory of Yvonne, please stay connected to those you know and love. Call a friend, reach out to someone you miss, hug your family.
Memorials suggested to Global Missions, Zion Lutheran Church, Buffalo, MN; Moments Hospice, or a charity of your choice.
Visitation will be held Sunday, May 7, 2023 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Church (1200 Hwy 25 S., Buffalo, MN) and Monday, May 8, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the church with the Memorial Service following at 11:00 AM. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Buffalo Lake, MN.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com.