Alvin “Sonny” Hagseth

June 16, 1948 - October 20, 2023

Service: A celebration of life will be held from 1 - 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 5 at the Canton Barn. The event will be an open house, with brief remarks at 2:30 p.m.

Alvin “Sonny” Hagseth, 75, died following a sudden medical event, on Friday, October 20, the day before the pheasant season opener. A celebration of life will be held from 1 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 5 at the Canton Barn. The event will be an open house, with brief remarks at 2:30 p.m.

Sonny was born on June 16, 1948 in Canton, South Dakota. He graduated from Robinson High School and Dakota State University. Before his long career with Motorola, Sonny owned and operated the Black Angus Steakhouse in Canton, among other jobs. He met his wife, Sue, while the two worked together in behavioral health, and they married in 1975. They raised two daughters, Cayce and Mandy, in Canton, where they spent the majority of their lives, before moving to Sioux Falls. For the last two years, he especially enjoyed his new community at the Village Cooperative.

Sonny’s greatest passion was hunting and fishing. He was a founding member of the Canton Ducks Unlimited chapter, served as the South Dakota State Chairman, and held various roles within the organization, where he remained active. Sonny was also a news junkie, an avid reader, a sports enthusiast, and quite the story teller. His penchant for fashion, hats, and online shopping will not be forgotten.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Suzanne Hagseth; his children, Cayce (Justin) Cossette and Mandy Hagseth; grandchildren, Jaegar, Ava, and Kendal Cossette; nephews, Brian and Jerry Hanson; and countless other hunting and fishing buddies, friends, and extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Delores Hagseth; his sister and brother-in-law, Marlys and Gene Hanson; his niece, Lori LaSalle; dogs, Baron, Fluffy, Chip, Fritz, Britta, and Emma; and Bodie, the only cat he ever liked.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sonny’s memory to Ducks Unlimited or Death With Dignity Political Fund.

Leave a Condolence
Your email address will not be published.

8 messages have been left

  1. Debbie and Mike Block on October 21, 2023 said:

    We are so sorry to hear about Sonny’s passing. Cherish your memories and may God bless you at this time.
    Debbie and Mike Block

  2. Vickie Veenis on October 22, 2023 said:

    To Sue, Mandy and Casey,
    Our deepest sympathies to all of you in your loss. Sonny is reunited with Alvin and Delores, all telling stories!.
    You are in our prayers.
    Gerry and Vickie Veenis

  3. Terri trumm on October 23, 2023 said:

    Sue, I have so many wonderful memories of dad and Sonny , Louie , and Dave. They loved their time together. I remember my mom thought she should get up early and make dad breakfast….until he said it’s embarrassing when we stop for breakfast and I’ve already eaten. Bless you all.

  4. Tammie Ralfs on October 25, 2023 said:

    Thoughts & prayers to your families

  5. Darrel Reinke on October 25, 2023 said:

    Sue and family. So sorry to learn of Sonny’s passing. We went back a long ways both with Motorola and with DU. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

  6. Jeff and Darcy Bjorneberg on October 30, 2023 said:

    Sue, Cayce and Mandy I am so sorry for hearing of Sonnys passing. I started saying some things here but rather talk in person at the barn Sue. I am here if anything I can possibly help with.

  7. Linda and Marvin Larson on October 31, 2023 said:

    Suzanne and family, sending you thoughts and prayers at this time. Our deepest sympathies, Linda and Marvin .

  8. Dave Theis on December 26, 2023 said:

    Sincerest sympathies for you loss. I worked many years at Motorola with Sonny. He taught me much about how to treat customers, and he often asked me about technical aspects of the products he was selling. I rode with him from one end of North and South Dakota to the other. A great guy, wish I’d known of his passing sooner. Best wishes to the family