Carmen Jean Hager

Carmen Jean Hager, 5 7of Devils  Lake, ND passed away on Thursday, July 6, at her home. 

Carmen Jean Hager, the daughter of Gene “Shorty" and Bernadine (Laverdure) Hager was born on July 28, 1965 in Rugby ND.  She grew up in Minnewaukan where she also attended school. She was a strong proponent of education, so she worked hard to earn her GED and continued her education at the Cankdeska Cikana Community College in Fort Totten ND. 

Carmen had an adventurous spirit and lived in several places in her life. One of those places she loved was the warm weather and beaches of Florida. She also worked a variety of jobs including bartending around the Lake Region, Dakota Tribal Industries, Leever’s and Spirit Lake Casino. Unfortunately increasing health problems prevented her working for the past several years.  

Carmen was a proud mom of her two boys, Brad and Aaron. She loved to spend time with their families and enjoyed reminiscing about life with them.  The role she loved the most was being a “grandma” to all of her grandchildren. 

At one point she was married to Aaron’s dad, Steve Longie. They spent many years together breaking horses, raising cattle and enjoying the outdoors.  

In her younger years, Carmen loved being around horses and riding horseback. Her favorite trail ride was going out to Culbertson, MT with family and friends. Most recently, she enjoyed arts and crafts, diamond art, making dream catchers, and other crafting projects, many of which centered around Native American culture and traditions.  She loved sharing her creations with family and friends. 

Carmen is survived by her sons Brad (Kayla) Hager, Bismarck ND, and Aaron (Trish Cross) Longie, Devils Lake ND; grandchildren Braxton, Alivia, Korbin, and Kinsley, Ariana, Braylon, Zenna, Bennett, Caleb, Abigail, and Bailey; her parents Shorty and Bernie Hager, Grahams Island ND; brother Jake (Tamara) Hager, Port Charlotte FL; sister Kim Morin, Fargo ND; several dear aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.   

Those who preceded Carmen in death are her brothers, Troy Hager and Todd Hager; grandparents John and Emma Hager, and Florence “Punky” Farrell. 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 5:00pm at the Gilbertson Funeral Home in Devils Lake, ND.