Mathew James Hager

Mathew J. Hager, 59, passed away suddenly at his home in Milton Freewater on May 30, 2014.

Mathew was born in Portland, on June 24, 1954, to Robert and Emily Linek Hager. Mathew was raised in Independence, Ore., and attended schools there. He graduated from Central High School in Monmouth, Independence, Ore., in 1972. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1972 and was honorably discharged in 1978. He met his wife, Michelle Renee Herres, in 1981 while working at D&K Frozen Foods.

They were married Sept. 18, 1982 at Assumption Catholic Church. He went to work at the Washington State Penitentiary in 1983 as a correctional officer and put in 26+ years. The couple had three children.

Mathew was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Emily. He is survived by his wife, Michelle; brothers, Steve (Sharon) Hager, Martin (Lynn Hughes) Hager; sisters, Ann (Wayne) Greenwell, Elizabeth and Jeannie Hager; sons, Christopher Hager, Robert
“Hank” (Jameson Clark) Hager; daughter, Emilianne “Emma” Hager; granddaughter, Ava Renee Hager; and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a graveside service Saturday, July 19, 2014, at 1 p.m. at the Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens on Myra Road. Memorial contributions can be made through the Herring Funeral Home to a charity of the donor’s choice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA