Rockhurst High School
Mr. Andrew Hagedorn Is Called Home by the Lord
September 12, 2024: Find Andy Hagedorn's obituary here.
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A letter from President David Laughlin on September 9, 2024
Dear Rockhurst High School Community,
A visitation will be held at 4:00 PM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 5:00 PM on Monday, September 16th at Curé of Ars Catholic Church at 9401 Mission Road in Leawood, Kansas. A reception at the parish will follow the Mass. Internment will occur at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, KY where Andy’s parents are buried.
For those unable to attend the services on Monday, September 16th, the Funeral Mass will be live streamed. Andy's live streamed link will be added 10 minutes before the scheduled start time at https://www.cureofars.com/funeral
On Wednesday, November 27th, Rockhurst High School will host a Memorial Mass and reception in celebration of Andy’s life and his commitment to Catholic and Jesuit education. Additional details, including the time, are to be determined.
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A letter from President David Laughlin on September 9, 2024
Dear Rockhurst High School Community,
Trusting in God who loves us beyond our comprehension, I write you today to share the news of the passing of Mr. Andrew Hagedorn, a teacher of English at Rockhurst for the past 35 years of his 50 total years of teaching, and one who dedicated his life to the education and formation of young people. Mr. Hagedorn passed away peacefully following a period of time in hospice.
Last spring at an all-school Mass of Thanksgiving, Rockhurst High School celebrated Mr. Hagedorn’s 35th year, since 1989, teaching Hawklets! During his tenure, he served for many years as our English Department Chair, as a leader in teaching our very successful AP English courses, and as a mentor to many teachers over the years in our English Department, as well as among our broader group of faculty.
As the first head coach who is fondly known as the "Godfather of the AquaHawks,” Mr. Hagedorn founded the Rockhurst High School Swim & Dive program in 1991. He served the team for nine seasons and built the foundation of the program through numerous conference titles and state championship appearances.
A graduate of St. Xavier High School, the Jesuit, all-boys secondary school in Cincinnati, Mr. Hagedorn set a high standard for his students, and those who came to know him beyond a classroom setting understood that his stern exterior was equalled and even surpassed by his kindness and care of interest in his students and his colleagues. As well, Mr. Hagedorn possessed a deep and abiding Faith as a Roman Catholic. Exceptional at keeping in touch with many alumni across the country, Mr. Hagedorn was always willing to offer to his former students his friendship, his interest in their personal and professional lives, and his wise and often witty insights, even unto many years past their graduation.
We thank God for the gift of his life and especially for his dedication to Catholic, Jesuit education at Rockhurst High School.
Please join us in prayer for the repose of the soul of Mr. Andrew Hagedorn. May his legacy continue to shine forth in the many students and teachers whose lives have been impacted by his generosity.
God bless,
David J. Laughlin
President
Rockhurst High School
Mr. Hagedorn did ask that any memorial gifts be directed to the Andrew S. Hagedorn Scholarship Fund at Rockhurst High School, set up by former parents and students in his name in 2020. If you would like to make a gift to the Hagedorn Scholarship Fund, please do so here and note "Hagedorn Scholarship" in the comments section.
Mr. Hagedorn did ask that any memorial gifts be directed to the Andrew S. Hagedorn Scholarship Fund at Rockhurst High School, set up by former parents and students in his name in 2020. If you would like to make a gift to the Hagedorn Scholarship Fund, please do so here and note "Hagedorn Scholarship" in the comments section.
