Claire Hagg Obituary

Claire R. Hagg passed away July 4, 2025, at UW Hospital in Madison, WI due to an aging heart and some lung issues. He was 86 years old. Claire was born in Kewanee, IL the son of Raymond and Elvira (Nelson) Hagg. His father passed away when Claire was two years old and Claire was raised by Elvira and Julius Hulin. Claire had two brothers, Wayne Hagg of Kewanee, IL and Donald Hulin of Cambridge, IL. Claire graduated from Cambridge High School. He served as an M.P. (military police) in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany. Claire received his bachelors degree from Monmouth College, in Monmouth, IL where he was a student athlete. He would later graduate with a masters degree from Northern Illinois University. Claire married Patricia (Walton) and he and Patty moved to Richland Center, WI in 1970 with their two daughters Polly and Abby. Claire was a Physical Education teacher and coach for Richland Center School District and retired from the district after a distinguished career. He had a passion and love for all things physical fitness and while he would coach many sports during his tenure, he most loved coaching Track and Field. The 1983 season Richland Center Girls Track and Field won the WIAA State Championship.
During his years as a teacher, you could find Claire nightly at the elementary schools working on lesson plans for his upcoming classes, or at Stori Field putting chalk lines on the cinder track, or at the Richland High School track coaching, or driving to a nearby town to make sure meet entries were in, or after a home or away track meet getting to the Observer in the evening to make sure results could get into the paper for family and community members to see, and working with athletes year round. After retiring in 2000, he traveled solo to many countries in Europe, often talking about his trips to Ireland, Scotland and Great Britain, among many others. He also continued to follow a physical fitness regimen of jogging, walking, biking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Regardless of where he traveled, the one place that remained his favorite was Richland Center. He loved the people, the community, the rolling, scenic hills and would share with anyone he met, that it was a great place to raise a family. In his retirement, Claire and Patty would often grab a slice of pizza and a soda and take a long drive through the roads of Richland County most afternoons, enjoying the beauty of the trees and land. He looked forward to waking up early each morning and getting a cup of coffee and talking with friends to start his day. Claire was always proud to call Richland Center his home.
Over the years much of Claire's conversations with family and friends centered on the individuals he had met through being a teacher and coach. He often reminisced about his former colleagues, coaches, school and athletic events. Claire would often elaborate about running into a former student or student athlete and sharing how excited he was to find out what they were doing with their lives. He so appreciated all the colleagues, students and athletes that kept in touch with him periodically over the years via a phone call, letter, or in stopping by the house, or those he would run into at a sporting event.
Claire is survived by his daughters, Polly (Martha) and Abby (Alex), and one grandson, Cameron, brother Donald Hulin (Sharon) and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife Patty, father, mother, step-father and twin brother.
The family would like to thank UW Madison Hospital doctors and nurses, especially Dr. Leja, Dr. Gratz, Nurse Laura, and the Palliative Care Team. We would also like to thank Dr. Richards of the Richland Clinic for being his doctor for many years. There are also so many people to thank for stopping by these last months at the house or hospital and visiting with Dad and for his neighbors that helped Claire as he aged. He loved your conversations and we appreciate each of you for your kindness and support.
In lieu of cards and/or flowers, Claire would want you to take a walk, bike or drive around Richland Center for a small period of time either solo or with others and visit with family, friends, and enjoy nature. Per Claire's wishes no formal services will be held. The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with their arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Claire, please visit our floral store.