Zelda Hagedorn

Zelda May Hagedorn, of Dickens, Iowa, took her place among the angels on Tuesday December 02, 2025, at the age of 78. Zelda was born August 21, 1947, to Inez and John Scott in Colfax, Iowa. Zelda’s love for family and homemaking began at an early age, as she created cherished memories with her many siblings. The Scott family called many cities home before settling in Dickens, Iowa. It was there that she met the love of her life, Charles Hagedorn. Dickens would later become the backdrop for many generations of treasured moments, places, and people as a result of their union.

Zelda had a love for the outdoors and valued her independence, which made for a humorous and sweet first encounter with her husband, Charles “Chuck” Hagedorn. Zelda and her sister, Judy were headed to the creek to fish, a hobby Zelda would carry throughout her life. Chuck pulled up next to them in his vehicle and, determined to win Zelda’s heart, offered them a ride. Aware of his attempts at flirting, Zelda politely declined—this was her area of expertise. Chuck was persistent and later returned to the creek to offer his assistance and possibly a ride home. This time Zelda accepted, placing her fish in the truck. She told him he could give them a ride home, but she would not be coming along. Charles persevered and eventually won over Zelda, beginning their lifelong love story. Their shared stubbornness would later foster a lifetime of humor-filled stories.

Shortly after, Zelda and Charles were united in marriage 1964. Planting their roots in Dickens, Iowa, they welcomed their oldest daughter Carmaletta, sons Marlan and Charles “Pete”, and youngest daughter Deidre Hagedorn. The Hagedorn family’s roots run deep, Zelda and Charles lived in Dickens the remainder of their lives, and many of their children continue to call it home today.

Zelda was an amazing mother, wife, and skilled homemaker. Zelda had the incredible ability to make you feel supported and cared for. Her heart leaned naturally toward helping others, and she never strayed from providing for those in need—especially her family. Building what looks like an empire, Zelda’s many grandchildren and great-grandchildren felt the warmth of her nurturing. Because of her generosity, Zelda often fell victim to many stray cats begging for food at her back door and, at one point, a brief stint with a stray chicken.

Although Zelda was a natural-born provider and caregiver, she also had many talents and hobbies. One of her greatest pursuits was Zelda’s Dolls, a local doll-making business where she crafted and sold dolls by hand. Beyond this professional endeavor, she enjoyed gardening, canning, and quilting. Her children and grandchildren reaped the benefits of her skills by receiving custom quilts and crafts at Christmas and more jars of tomato juice than they ever knew what to do with. Zelda was determined and tenacious in her creations, continuing to grow and gift pumpkins even while battling the brief illness that ultimately led to her passing.

She will be remembered with love and missed by all who hold her in their hearts.

Zelda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles “Chuck” Hagedorn; her daughter, Deidre Hoffman; her sons-in-law, John Miller and Kyle Hoffman; her cherished grandchild, Bryson Hagedorn; her parents, Inez and John Scott; and her siblings, Della Scott, Bill Scott, Buzz Scott, Bob Scott, Jack Scott, Betty Heidt, Marlus Acheson, Bob Kemp, and Jonny Kemp. She was also preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Jim Hagedorn; her parents-in-law, Bonnie and Harold Hagedorn; her sister-in-law, Lola Scott; as well as other relatives and many dear friends.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Carmie Miller, Marlan (Shelley) Hagedorn, and Pete (partner Toni) Hagedorn; her grandchildren: Ashley (Chad) Atherton, Lyndsay (Tim) Terveer, Mitch (Amber) Miller, Nate (Jackie) Miller, Gabby (partner Dakota) Miller, Madison (Austin) Crew, Caleb Miller, Austin (partner Nate) Hagedorn, Kelsey Hagedorn, Trevor (Emily) Hagedorn, Cole (partner Tori) Hagedorn, Haylee (Roger) Logue, Hannah (Travis) Goeders, Ali (Brent) Surber, Izzy Hagedorn, Amya Hoffman, Mylee Hoffman, Taylor Dykstra, Destiny Dykstra, Chelsey (Hunter) Schmidt, Carey Smith, Calley Hansen, and Cammey (fiancé Toby) Schmidt; and many great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings: Jerry Scott, Judy (Dale) Tokheim, Jim (Diane) Scott, Shelby (Rick) Heuton, and Roger (partner Georgia) Scott; her sisters-in-law: Ina Chapman, Dianne Eldridge, Virginia Glasser and Jody Hagedorn; cherished friends Ted and Jackie Thomas; and many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in memory of Zelda.