Dr. Nore A. Hagman

Dr. Norm A. Hagman, 91, passed away peacefully on March 26th, 2025. He was born in 1933 and grew up in Gary, Indiana. He was a proud alumnus of Indiana University, graduating with Phi Beta Kappa honors and becoming a member of the Theta Chi fraternity. It was there he met the love of his life, Patricia Jeffries, whom he married in 1955. As a medical technician, Patricia supported Norm throughout medical school and residency. He attended Indiana University School of Medicine, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Scholastic Honorary Fraternity. After completing his internship at Philadelphia General Hospital and his residency at Indiana University Hospitals, he served as a Captain in the U.S. Army before moving to Rockford in 1965 to begin his medical career. 

He co-founded Rockford Orthopedic Associates in 1967, a practice that later became OrthoIllinois. Dr. Hagman worked as an orthopedic surgeon for many decades, often living up to his nickname "Stormin' Norman" in the operating room. His leadership extended beyond his practice, having served as President of the Winnebago County Medical Society, President of the Rockford Memorial Medical Staff, and Trustee of the Board of Rockford Memorial Hospital. He was also recognized for teaching and mentoring young medical professionals at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.

Norm knew how to live life to its fullest. He had a good sense of humor and a mischievous streak. He liked machinery and speed in the form of fast cars, boats, and motorcycles. He could take any piece of equipment apart, fix it, and put it back together piece by piece—even cars. His favorite vacations included visits to Lake of the Ozarks, time at Lake Geneva, skiing in Snowmass, and enjoying a Grand Pecan Ball on Mackinac Island. 

Norm had a large and loving family. In addition to Patricia, he had two daughters, Allison Alexander and Lynn Murray (Dan); eight grandchildren, Grace (Nick), Max, and Jack Alexander, and John, Emma, Kate (Han), Peter, and Helen (Gabriel) Murray; and a niece, Melissa Hellem, and her family. He treasured his life-long friendship with his brother-in-law, Jack Jeffries. Norm was predeceased by his parents, Nore and Margaret Hagman, as well as his brother and sister-in-law, Garrett and Ann Hagman.

Norm enjoyed spending time with his wife and family and remained interested in their lives, even as his memory declined. We will always remember and appreciate his selfless question, “How can I make your life better?” We are grateful for his loving caregivers, Sophie and Tungaa, as well as the compassionate care of staff at Lincolnshire Place and Sanctuary Hospice. All of us will miss Norm/Dad/Grandpa and remember him with love.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Alzheimer’s Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871, or Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Drive, Rockford, IL 61107. 

A Memorial Service will be on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Drive, Rockford, IL 61107, with a visitation prior to the service starting at 10:00 a.m. Private family burial in Scandinavian Cemetery.