ANN LAFAUNGE
Ann Hagen LaFaunge, 86, of Black River Falls, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the North Carolina State Veterans Home in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Ann was born on April 10, 1940, in Black River Falls, WI, to Jack and Virginia (Girouard) Hagen. She graduated from Black River Falls High School in 1958. Ann went on to complete training as a Registered Radiological Technologist at Redlands Community Hospital in Redlands, California, in 1965. She then began a career at San Bernardino County Hospital before returning to the community that always remained close to her heart. Ann dedicated the majority of her professional career to Black River Falls Memorial Hospital as Director of Radiology.
Ann was married for 53 years to her beloved husband, James Edward LaFaunge, who passed away in November 2017. Family was at the heart of Ann’s life. She is survived by her children, Ranae (Robin) Radke of Concord, North Carolina; Michelle Berns of San Diego, California; Shawn (Gina) LaFaunge of Black River Falls, WI; and Colette Pfaff of Cresco, Iowa.
Ann was blessed with eight grandchildren, Jackson LaFaunge, Blake Wilson, Jennifer (Luke) Shumsky, Nicholas Nauman, Matt (Callie) LaFaunge, Rianna (Matthew) Elliott, Shawn Pfaff, and Gracie Pfaff; and one great-granddaughter, Leila Wilson.
She is also survived by her brothers, John (Lynnea) Hagen and Jay (Deb) Hagen; her sister, Linda Ellcey; and her sisters-in-law, Marilyn Hagen and Mary Alice Hagen along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Edward LaFaunge; and her brothers, Peter Hagen and Stuart Hagen.
Ann found great joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially when those moments were shared with the people she loved. Ann enjoyed walking the local trail, cooking for family, and shopping with friends. She also took special pride in caring for her beloved dogs, Sadie and Chloe, who were not only cherished companions but also very spoiled members of the family.
Ann cherished the time she spent with family and friends and especially loved being a grandmother. Some of her happiest memories came from “stealing the grandkids” for special outings, taking them shopping, and letting them choose the movie for family movie nights. She treasured her many trips to California, often accompanied by her “sidekick”, her grandson Nick, where she visited grandchildren and other family; created lasting memories with her grandchildren at Disneyland and other nearby amusement parks.
Ann delighted in life’s simple enjoyments — a good Bloody Mary or cold margarita, and of course, wearing her favorite turquoise and silver jewelry.
Ann had a personality that was impossible to forget and a natural sense of humor that brought laughter to everyone around her. She never had to try to make people laugh; her humor simply came from who she was. She will be remembered for her big heart, her generosity, and her love for family and friends.
Ann’s greatest gift was the love she shared so freely. While she will be deeply missed, her laughter, kindness, and the countless memories she created with all who knew her will stay with us always.
A celebration of Ann’s life will be scheduled at a later date.