Hi, I’m Joel Hagberg. I’m a husband, father, and recent retired Big Lake teacher. I spent my entire teaching career here in Big Lake, a lot of which was teaching 4th grade. Since retiring I have continued to work in the community part time and you may see me singing and playing guitar at some of our local establishments. I love being a part of the Big Lake community and everything it has to offer. Thank you for selecting me as a Face of Big Lake!
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to my wonderful wife, Jean, for 23 years and we have 3 kids. Jack is 22 and graduated from St. Scholastica last spring. He is currently a substitute teacher in Big Lake currently. Sam is 20 and lives and works in Loveland, CO. Carly is a senior at Becker High School. We have 2 dogs – a Yellow Lab named Jazzy and a Terrier Mix named Opie.
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
I have been in the area since 1987 when I took a job with Big Lake schools. When I was offered the job in Big Lake I moved around a bit and landed in Becker as our residence.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
I retired from teaching about 3.5 years ago. I was a teacher for 32 years, all here in Big Lake. I taught 3rd, 5th, 6th and 20 years in 4th grade. Prior to starting my teaching career I received my undergraduate degree from Winona State and then my Masters degree from St. Thomas. I moved to Colorado and worked on a hot air balloon crew and in a sporting goods store. When I returned to MN, I worked at Schmitt Music in Edina. In addition, I was part of a country western band beginning in high school. We were called Country Blazers. I played the banjo and the guitar and was with this group for 5 years. Then we changed it up a little and became Blazers and I played for 30 years in places like Mayer, Watertown, and Hamel. For 12 years I have also been a solo musician playing at establishments such as Lupulin, Chow, and will be at Willy’s this summer. I have also played at Mystic Lake Casino for 8 years. My son plays piano with me now also. Music runs in the family and my dad was a band and choir director. Since retiring from teaching, I decided I wanted to stay busy and active in Big Lake so I worked at Lupulin on the canning line and now the Big Lake Liquor Store part time.
Q: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it and why were you given it?
My old nickname was Zado. I played basketball and after having 3 steals in a row, a teammate started calling my Zado after an old football player, Lyle Alzado. The nickname eventually shortened to Zad.
Q: What is your favorite TV Show, Movie, Book? (Please list as many as you’d like!)
I enjoy anything with John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, or Clint Eastwood. Obviously I like the old westerns. I also like Quentin Tarantino movies and watching sports.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and have one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Alaskan crab legs, baked potato, and water
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
Going out in town with my wife, watching sports, playing music and watching other musicians perform, and playing music at my church – Mary of the Visitation
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
I want to travel more.
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
I would donate a big portion to a good cause and go somewhere that would be warm in the winter.
Q: What has been a challenge you have had to overcome? (Life, School, Work, etc.)
Raising children! There is no manual on how to raise kids.
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I am not a morning person. It’s a bit unusual for a teacher!
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
Rollie Olson – he was fabulous and like a second dad to me. Also my mom and dad.
Q: What is something even your family and friends may not know about you?
I play music for TEC – Together Encountering Christ – which is a weekend lock-in in Belle Prairie.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
Going back to finish college and teaching where I can serve others.
Q: What are a few of your favorite businesses / restaurants in Big Lake?
We try to get to all the restaurants in town and they are all great.
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
I really enjoy the small town atmosphere.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Try to get involved. So many places need help and you can get involved in school organizations and the churches always need help.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
George Quinn. He started the Yellow Ribbon project. John Bruns, Norb Vossen, and Mike Hill
