Anthony Hager, age 47, of Gladwin, passed away on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. He was born on January 25, 1978, in Clare. Anthony worked as a cook at Pepper Mill for many years. He had a deep love for the outdoors, often spending his free time fishing, metal detecting, and trail riding.
He came into this world in the middle of the Blizzard of ’78, and it seems the storm just stayed in him his whole life. He was an unstoppable force of nature, persistent, tough, and never one to back down from a challenge. If there was a fight worth fighting, he was in it. And if there wasn’t… well, he might have started one just for fun.
He had a gift for keeping life exciting. You never quite knew what he was going to do next, which is equal parts thrilling and terrifying when you’re related to him. He could turn a regular day into an adventure. He loved the wow factor, that look of surprise on someone’s face, and he chased it like most people chase comfort.
He could poke fun at anyone, and I mean anyone. Nobody was safe, friends, family, strangers… even his dog, Baby Girl, at some point. And yet, underneath all the teasing was a deep sense of connection. He taught us how to be a family. He always said we were like a wheel, Allison, Adin, and Lucas, each a spoke, and when one spoke was out, the whole wheel felt it. His point was simple: be kind, help each other, because one day, when he wasn’t here, all we would have is each other.
He was a bull in a china shop, big presence and big energy. One of his favorites lines always was “mess with the bull, you get the horns” but he also was the guy who’d drop everything to help you.
He’d fish anytime, anywhere. If there was a body of water, it was basically a personal invitation.
And while rules were… optional for him, love wasn’t. He gave it fully, fiercely, and without hesitation. His way of showing it might have been unconventional, but you never doubted it was there.
Anthony was an adventurer, a protector, a troublemaker, a storyteller, and a man who lived his life at full throttle. He taught us that family is everything, that laughter makes the hard times bearable, and that sometimes, the best way to live is with a chainsaw in one hand, no plan whatsoever & a joint in the other hand. He’s gone now, but the wheel he built is still here. And every time we help each other, tease each other, and love each other fiercely, we’ll keep him spinning right along with us.
He is deeply loved and missed. And we promise… to keep breaking a few rules in your honor.
He is survived by his children: Allison (Austin) Welsh, Adin Hager, and Lucas Hager; one grandchild on the way; mother: Sheryl Hager Doan; and siblings: Dan Hager, Mary (Jamie) Dawson, Nikita Garcia, Beth Curtis, and Victor Doan.
He was preceded in death by his brother: Gary Young; and grandparents: Marion May and Robert.
Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 4:00 P.M. at the Butman Township Hall. Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com
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