Zachary Ryan Hagar, a proud and favorite uncle, dedicated son, grandson, and loving brother, 38 years old, of Oshkosh, Wis., and formerly of Tomahawk, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. Born on July 24, 1985, to Terry and Kristann Hagar, Zach was the eldest among seven siblings and became the best playmate and bonus “parent” to make sure his siblings were kept in line. Family time was one of the most important things to him. As he grew older, he kept the role of whimsical elder and loved playing with the next generation of kids in the family and being goofy with them. His nieces and nephews were a light in his life.
Zach graduated from Tomahawk High School in 2003, excelling as a state-level athlete in cross-country and wrestling. His most notable success was in wrestling, where he was a three-time state qualifier, earning a runner up as well as a state title. Zach continued his love of wrestling beyond high school by walking on for the Badgers, wrestling in Germany, and volunteering as a wrestling coach for the Hatchets.
During his college years at UW-Madison, Zach fully realized how much he enjoyed learning new languages and exploring the world. Zach studied abroad in Bonn, Germany, traveled throughout Europe, studied various languages and linguistics, and graduated with a German degree. He liked how diverse languages can offer nuanced meanings of similar words, and would frequently talk in German, Finnish, or Russian. Zach also got a kick out of using sophisticated vernacular whenever the moment presented itself.
Zach had an unmatched competitive spirit amongst his friends and family and found great pleasure in playing board games or card games. His competitiveness could be witnessed through audible grunts and mini temper tantrums during even the friendliest matches of magic or soccer. He spent many hours playing cribbage with his dad, keeping track of who had the best record over hundreds of games, and even went so far as creating their own variation called “joker-ibbage.” His interests also included outdoor activities in the Northwoods. Learning from his grandpa, he loved fishing on the open water and hunting with his family at the Swan Creek Hunting Club, which paired well with his love for the cold.
Known for his generous heart, Zach consistently helped those in need whether it was giving his last 20 dollars to a family in need, volunteering his time to help at a community event, or being a listening ear for someone in crisis. His charitable actions were prolific ranging from assistance at the soup kitchen to working on the Redeemer Learning Center rebuild. He was a hard worker and took pride in completion of difficult mental or physical tasks, especially his landscaping projects.
Zach had an appreciation for the unique and ornate things in life including small detailed trinket boxes, colorful and well-plated food garnishes, as well as various clothing and facial hair stylings. He knew how to rock everything from a mullet and leather jacket, to a handlebar mustache and sweater vest.
He is survived by mother, Kristann Hagar; father, Terry Hagar; grandparents, Ed and Sally Nyberg; siblings, Celia (Eric), Erica (Adam), Nicholas (Amelia), Nathan Scott (Rose), and Adrianna (Alex); and beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is further survived by the various groups of friends, turned family, including his German family, his wrestling family, and his family in both Fox Cities and Tomahawk who supported each other in recovery. He was preceded in death by brother, Garrett Schultz; uncle, Eddie Nyberg; and grandparents, Jerry and Marion Hagar.
Funeral services for Zachary Hagar were held on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at 11 a.m., at Generations Funeral Home. Deacon David Bablick officiated. The family received friends for visitation on Friday, Jan. 19, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., and again on Saturday, from 9 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family. You may view Zach’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.