Roy Edward Hagstrom

Roy took off his conductor’s hat for the last time, his journey complete. He passed away unexpectedly on March 30th 2026 at the age of 88. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, known for his skill in fixing things—always there with a tool in hand and a helping heart. Now his work is done, and he rests in peace.

Roy was born July 13th 1937 in Chicago, Illinois, and later moved with his family to the woods of northern Minnesota, where he would spend the rest of his life building, creating, and leaving his mark on the community he loved. Together with his father, Roy helped build the family homestead, a place that reflected the hard work and determination that defined him throughout his life.

Roy began his career at General Motors in Chicago as a jig and fixture technician, where his talent for precision and engineering quickly became evident. After moving north, he established his own welding shop and became known throughout Minnesota for his craftsmanship, ingenuity, and ability to fix nearly anything. Whether someone needed help with a furnace, a vehicle, or a complicated mechanical project, Roy was always willing to lend a hand.

A lifelong lover of steam engines, antique machinery, and classic cars, Roy dedicated countless hours to preserving and restoring pieces of history. He was involved with Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion in Rollag, MN and the Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers Annual Show, where he shared his passion with friends, family, and visitors alike. One of his proudest accomplishments was creating a miniature steam engine railroad around the family property that brought joy to so many people over the years.

Roy loved the outdoors and found peace in northern Minnesota’s woods and lakes. He had a lifelong love of animals and always had a dog nearby through much of his life. He raised rabbits and pigs over the years, cared for cats on his porch, and enjoyed watching and feeding the deer that gathered near his home. Animals seemed to naturally trust him.

Those who knew Roy will remember his sharp wit, long stories, and gift for conversation. He could spend hours talking about engines, history, old cars, or life itself. Even in his later years, he remained deeply connected to his work, making sure every detail was done right. He was practical and resourceful, known for keeping things others may have discarded because, more often than not, he would eventually find the perfect use for them.

Roy never married, devoting much of his life to his work, his passions, and the people he cared about most.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Lois and Hilding; his brother Glen;

He is survived by his sister Carol; and her daughter Andrea; and extended family; and many lifelong friends who became like family over the years.

A Celebration of Life honoring Roy’s life will be held on Saturday, June 13th at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home from 1-3 in Park Rapids, Minnesota. Burial at Lake Alice cemetery afterwards.

Roy will be remembered for his hard work, generous spirit, remarkable craftsmanship, and the countless lives he touched through his kindness, stories, mentorship, and creativity. His legacy lives on in the engines he restored, the projects he built, and the people who loved him.