John Hagness

John Hagness of Sydney, Australia, formerly of Durand, Wisconsin, passed away on September 26, 2026. He was born on August 4, 1961, to Everett and Marge Hagness of Durand, Wisconsin.
John was a 1980 graduate of Durand High School. He also spent seven years serving his country in the U.S. Navy (1983 till 1990) where he was attached to Attack squadron 56 and VFA 192 onboard USS Midway stationed in Japan. In 1987 the USS Midway visited Sydney, Australia to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Battle of Midway with the Australian Navy, it was then that he met his future wife, Carmel.
On November 12, 1988, he married the love of his life and soul mate, Carmel Halter, in Sydney, Australia. They made their home in Sydney as they did not receive a snowblower for a wedding gift and he could fish all year round without snow. He was employed by the Sony Corporation for over 27 years, which he tried retirement unsuccessfully, he was then employed by Skynews Australia, until his passing, logistics and procurement manager.
In 2024 John was diagnosed with metastatic bowel cancer, he put up a strong fight with all the courage he could find, he always had a smile for all the doctors and nurses that cared for him and was always happy to share a joke to make everyone’s day just that bit brighter, he will be missed.
John is survived by his wife Carmel, daughter Erin, and son Dr. Daniel Hagness. He is also survived by his sister Nancy and brothers Mike, Steve, and Jeff, brother-in-law Chris Halter, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Marge and Everett, in-laws Ray and Patricia Halter, and brothers-in-laws Lawrence, Phillip and Michael Halter.
Funeral services were held on October 6, 2026, in Sydney, Australia.