Warren Wangen

Warren Tyrone Wangen passed away peacefully Friday morning May 12, 2023 after a long illness.   He was born January 23, 1938 in Lanesboro, MN to Nettie Lostegaard Wangen and Ole Knutson Wangen. Warren moved with his family to Eau Claire, WI in 1947 and graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1956. He attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN graduating in 1960. He lettered all four years as a defensemen on the St. Olaf hockey team, making lifelong friends and attending reunions well into his 80’s. After college in 1961, Warren served his country as an officer in the Marine Corps Reserve.

Warren spent his professional career of nearly 50 years in the group insurance business. He began his career with Washington National Insurance Company of Chicago in 1960 as a sales rep travelling the Central South and Midwest territories. While living in Minneapolis, he met and married Yvonne Nelson June 13, 1964. Together with their two daughters, Lisa and Cindy, they lived in Minneapolis and Chicago. Warren brought his family back to Eau Claire for a position with Minton-Jeatran Insurance Company and later co-founded Benefit Plan Administrators of Eau Claire.  Warren leaves behind a legacy of ethical business practices and years of trusted relationships.

Warren enjoyed spending time boating and water skiing with his family at their home on Chain Lake, WI, celebrating 50 years in 2016. He was a lifelong avid snow skier taking many trips with Vonnie to Europe and the American West. He played weekly golf and tennis with friends committing time to numerous charity tournaments in the Chippewa Valley.  Upon retirement, he and Vonnie settled in Naples, FL where they spent many winters in the warm weather with good food and friends.

Warren was a man of deep faith and love of God, family and community.  He and Vonnie were active members of Trinity Lutheran Church for decades where Warren served a term as president of the church council. He and Vonnie were associate members of Emmanuel Lutheran church in Naples FL for over 20 years. Warren and Yvonne were members of the Society of Founders at the Eau Claire Community Foundation.  Warren spent years fundraising for Luther Hospital, St. Olaf College and the Eau Claire YMCA.

Warren was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Yvonne Fritz and Sandra Johnson; and his beloved wife of 46 years, Yvonne (Nelson). He is survived by his sister, Donna Jean Albrecht (George), daughters Lisa, (Jeff) Roberts and Cynthia (Scott) Webb; his four grandsons Wil and Andrew Roberts and David and Adam Webb; many loved nieces and nephews and his close companion, Karen Metzgar.

Thank you to the staff at Grace Lutheran – River Pines, The Classic at Hillcrest Greens, Oakwood Health Services, Heritage Oakwood Hills, Mayo Clinic and Cancer Center Eau Claire and St. Croix Hospice.

A visitation will occur on Friday,  June 9th at 9:30 am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Eau Claire followed by a funeral service at 11 am and a luncheon afterward.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Eau Claire YMCA Golf Outing 700 Graham Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701 or Watch Us Farm 9906 East 200 South, Zionsville, IN 46077.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

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