Hartley Hageness

Rugby

Hartley Allan Richard Hageness, 82, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Monday, March 17, 2025, at his home in Rugby, North Dakota. Born on May 16, 1942, in Rugby to Melvin and Alice (Paulson) Hageness, Hartley was one of four siblings. He and his twin brother, Harlow, grew up alongside their older brother, Elvern, and their younger sister, Sharon, on the family ranch located on north hill of Sand Lake, north of Pleasant Lake, ND, where he and Harlow shared an early interest in automobiles.

Hartley graduated from Rugby High School in 1960. He played football and was a member of the first wrestling team. He furthered his education at the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton. He played football and was a member, often a leader of business and service clubs. He graduated in 1962. That same year, he met the love of his life, Jordith (Jordy) Ann Frees at the roller skating rink in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and within a few months, married on Easter Sunday. Jordy’s grandfather, Reverend George Garbarkawitz officiated. They moved back to Rugby.

Hartley’s lifelong career in the school bus industry began with Lashman Bus Co. in Rolette. In 1969, he founded Hartley’s School Buses, selling smaller buses and contracting routes. By 1973, he expanded his work as a distributor of Blue Bird Buses, earning numerous top sales awards across North Dakota and Montana. A forward-thinker in the industry, Hartley made history by selling North Dakota’s first all-electric school bus to the Fargo School District. Your children’s safety was top priority. He was thankful for his employees, customers, and business associates.

Beyond his career, Hartley was deeply committed to his community. His service included roles on the Rugby Airport Authority, the Rugby Chamber of Commerce, support of the Rugby Jaycees, Rugby Amateur Hockey Association, and the Rugby Lions Club, where he was honored with a Melvin Jones Fellowship.

He was a member of the Rugby Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie # 3834, and the Masonic Lodge. He and his family participated in the North Dakota State Championship Horse Show, was instrumental in establishing the Rugby Speedway, and served 20 years on the Board of Directors for the Dakota Boys Ranch. A man of faith, he also dedicated himself to St. Paul Lutheran Church, serving as an elder.

Hartley’s impact reached far beyond business and service; he had a gentle, kind, welcoming spirit that made him beloved by many. As a private pilot, he logged over 10,000 flight hours, flying for both business and pleasure.

A cherished tradition was offering nighttime plane rides to prom couples, a tradition he upheld for over 20 years, giving more than 1,200 students a breathtaking experience in the skies. He also found joy in buzzing over family farms, sharing his passion for aviation in a way that brought delight to those below.

An avid collector, Hartley’s collection of vintage automobiles was a source of pride, frequently showcased in parades and car shows. From Cadillacs to Rolls-Royces, an antique horse drawn school bus, and even a Model T, his love for classic cars was well-known and admired.

Above all, family was the heart of Hartley’s life. He cherished time spent at their Lake Metigoshe cabin, traveling, making memories with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed watching all participate in their activities and sports. For years, he found joy in “working” the penalty box at hockey games, ensuring every moment was an opportunity to connect with the young athletes.

During his wife Jordy’s time in long-term care at the Heart of America Medical Center, Hartley’s devotion was unwavering–visiting twice a day, every day, and always ensuring he was there with her for supper.

Hartley, a proud Norwegian, also found joy in attending the Norsk Hostfest in Minot, indulging in traditions and, of course, his favorite Norwegian dishes–especially lutefisk and lefse. He would always say thank you and most of the time in Norwegian. It seems fitting that his final farewell reflects the gratitude he held for all those who touched his life:

“Mange tusen takk” (many thousand thanks)!

Hartley is survived by children: Todd (Sandy) Hageness of Lake Metigoshe; Tracy Hageness of Rugby; and Tanya (Russ) Meyer of Boise, Idaho; grandchildren: Anthony Hageness, Nigel (Baylee) Hageness; Shelby (Joshua) Boucher; Josie, Addie, and Isaac Meyer; great-grandchildren: Loucie, Mylah Jordith, and Violet Boucher; sister: Sharon Voeller of Rugby.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jordy, in January 2022, as well as his parents, his twin brother, Harlow,sister-in-law Donna, his older brother, Elvern, and his brother-in-law, Dennis Voeller.

Services: A visitation will be held at 4 p.m. with a prayer service at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 29th at Niewoehner Funeral Home in Rugby. A funeral service, followed by burial at Persilla Watts Cemetery in Rugby, will take place, Sunday, June 1st. Please visit www.niewoehnerfh.com for updates on the service date and time.

Published by The Minot Daily News, March 22, 2025.