Pearl L. Hagemann, age 88, passed away Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Four Winds Manor after an extended illness. Born on November 24, 1922 in Cazenovia, Wisconsin to Dewey and Nellie (Slaback) Long, she spent her youth in Brooklyn, Wisconsin enjoying the company of many relatives and family friends. Pearl's passion for education began early in life when her desire to attend high school meant learning to drive the family car at age 14. She then went on to Green County Normal School, made several life-long friends, and began her teaching career at Ross Crossing Country School, Fisher Valley Country School, and Brooklyn Elementary. She continued her education at Platteville State Teachers' College. Along with best friend Evelyn, Pearl managed to have as much fun as possible and even do some studying. With a new degree, she spent many rewarding years teaching at Frank Allis Elementary School in Madison. Pearl's love of music and dancing ultimately introduced her to her LaVerne Hagemann, whom she married on November 20, 1954. She took delight in exploring their family farm searching for wildflowers and enjoying nature. While raising their children Pearl continued her teaching career in Madison until retiring in 1985. She considered the staff at her last school, Aldo Leopold Elementary, to be some of her dearest friends. In retirement she and LaVerne enjoyed travel and being grandparents, as well as spending time with old friends and taking every opportunity to make new ones. Pearl continued participation in "The Jolly 8," Card Club group which had formed in 1967. She raised and harvested spectacular vegetable gardens and surrounded her home with brilliant flower gardens. Ever the teacher, she was especially touched and appreciative when encountering former students who let her know what they had made of their lives. Sadly, declining health began to slow and diminish Pearl in her recent years forcing her to abandon her fierce independence and retreat from her active life. She slipped away quietly on April 2, 2011. Pearl is survived by her husband of 56 years, LaVerne; son Mark of Sacramento, CA; daughter Darcey (Mark Singel) of Elm Grove, WI; and her dear granddaughters Laura Singel and Erin Singel. She is also survived by her cherished sister, Pauline (Willard) Durrant; nieces Marcia Durrant and Kim (Jeff) Orwin; and nephew Greg (Debra) Hageman. A celebration of Pearl's life will be held on Friday, April 8, 2011 at 11:00 am at Salem United Church of Christ, 502 Mark Dr., Verona, with visitation from 9:30 am until the time of service. The family would like to thank the staffs of Four Winds Manor and Lodge and HospiceCare for their loving care and companionship during these last few years and express tremendous appreciation to all friends who took their time to stop and visit. That meant the world to Pearl. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the church. In lieu of flowers, Pearl would ask you to spend time with those you love. We'll miss you Mom.