Raymond Hagelberg, a professor emeritus who taught at NAU for more than 30 years, died Jan. 12, 2008. He was 81.
He was born June 11, 1926, to Ray E. and Cecelia Schramer Hagelberg in Geneva, Ill.
Dr. Hagelberg joined Arizona State College, now NAU, in 1957 as an assistant professor of education and principal of the college elementary school. He retired from NAU in 1989.
“When I joined the NAU faculty in1968, Ray Hagelberg was one of the veteran professors who made a novice like me feel welcome right from the start,” said Harlan Johnson, a professor emeritus of library science and education, who retired from NAU in 2002. “He helped me in every way he could. He did a lot to foster kinship among faculty. He was known for his love of NAU.”
Dr. Hagelberg’s focus was on elementary math and science education. He helped organize workshops for Native American educators and served on the board for the Arizona Academy of Science and Mathematics. He worked with graduate students to develop a laboratory safety program for schools, which included safety posters that are still in use.
He enjoyed the northern Arizona community and environment, gardening and exploring. He served as superintendent of hobbies at the Coconino County Fair and helped organize the Flagstaff Model Railroad Club in the early 1960s. He was a member of Flagstaff Federated Community Church for nearly 50 years.
Dr. Hagelberg graduated from Cornell College, in Mount Vernon, Iowa. He attended Purdue University, and earned a doctorate degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Iowa. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Ellen of Flagstaff; sons, Michael of Flagstaff and Carl (Stephanie) of Los Alamos, NM; daughter Karen Chrisman (Jim) of Tucson; and sister, Leah Gibson of Flagstaff.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations made to Northland Hospice, the organ fund of the Federated Church, or charities of choice.
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.norvelowensmortuary.com.