Obituary: Patrick J. Hagarty

Patrick J. Hagarty, 66, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on December 16, 2025, following a courageous battle with brain cancer. Surrounded and held  tight by his wife and children, Patrick took his final breath as music filled the room - John Denver’s, ‘Fly Away’ playing softly alongside the peaceful soundscape of a train rolling down  the tracks. It was perfect.  

Patrick was born on May 7, 1959, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the son of Maurice and Mary Louise (Shimpach) Hagarty. He was a 1978 graduate of Columbus High School and married the  love of his life, Traci King, daughter of Delmar and Lorraine King, on September 2, 1983, in Waterloo.  

Patrick dedicated much of his life to serving others, often during their most difficult moments. He retired in 2009 after a 30-year career as a sergeant with the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office. While still serving in law enforcement, Patrick founded Hagarty Monuments, where he guided families through deeply personal decisions with compassion and care. In  retirement, he worked as a deescalator in the psychiatric unit at MercyOne Hospital, offering a  calm and steady presence to those in crisis, and continued this work until his illness.  

Family and friendship were the foundation of Patrick’s life. He was deeply selfless, always placing the needs of others ahead of his own, and never hesitated to show up when someone needed help. He gave freely of his time and heart to his children, grandchildren, and extended family, but nowhere was that love more evident than in the life he built with his wife, Traci.  

Patrick is survived by his son Benjamin (Lauren) Hagarty of Cedar Falls; his daughter  Caitlin (Ryan) Laudick of Cedar Falls; his son Shawn Hagarty of Marion; his grandchildren  Lucas and Nicholas Laudick; his brothers James (Kay) Hagarty and Thomas (Cathy) Hagarty,  both of Cedar Falls; and his sisters Rosemary Millard of Independence, Kathy Caley, Paulette  Hawkenson, and Margaret Ackerman of Cedar Falls. He was also a proud uncle to many nieces and nephews.  

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Robert and Daniel Hagarty; his sister Terri Sullivan; his nephew Jacob Lee Hawkenson; and his brothers-in-law Thomas  Caley and LaVern Millard.  

Patrick will be remembered for his devotion to family, his service to others, and the way his smile and sense of humor brought comfort and laughter to those around him. When you  see or hear a train, just know that’s Pat passing by. Choo Choo!  

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, December 22nd at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Waterloo.  

Memorials may be directed to the family.