Quote provided by Dennis in 2020 for OCRA's Centennial Celebration.

“I began reporting in 1959 as a raw, untested 19 year old. A lady named Nell McCue introduced me to reporting and helped me meet the speed requirements. If only I could hug her now in thanks. Reporting settled deep in my life and led me to twice president of the greatest state reporting association, OCRA. At the Academy of Court Reporting, we placed 1,500 reporters in 30 states.

My wife, Judy, and I traveled all over the country to reporting conventions. Service and leadership on many OCRA and NCRA committees led to development of great friendships that last to today. What a great perk. The profession allowed me to raise five children and meet their needs in life.

I urge that you all spread the story of reporting as a true profession for any young people you come in contact with. Any other choice would not meet reporting’s many opportunities.”

Dennis Hagestrom, OCRA President 1978-1980 and 1991-1992

Michele Eddy,
RPR, CRR, CRI
North Ridgeville, Ohio

We have lost a great man and teacher. I loved learning from Dennis. My sincerest condolences, Judy and family. We will all miss him dearly.

Marie Fresch,
RMR, CRC
Norwalk, Ohio

Denny was a friend and mentor. He taught court reporting when I attended the Academy of Court Reporting in Cleveland. He was always so caring and nurturing to all reporters. I'll miss his smiling face at the conferences. My sympathies to Judy and his family. What a huge loss for our profession.

Susan Gee,
RMR, CRR
Cincinnati, Ohio

I am so saddened to hear this. We have lost a great one. His accomplishments are so impressive.  We need more people like Dennis in this world.  My deepest sympathy to his family.

Pam Greenfield,
RDR, CRR
Richfield, Ohio

We all know what an amazing writer/reporter/teacher he was:  Three-time speed champion (while raising five kids) so no time to practice; active participant in state and national associations – including committee leader and board positions.

His book of loyal client fans reads like the who’s who of Cleveland and beyond: Burns Weston, Seth Hurd (Weston Hurd); Marvin Karp (Ulmer Berne); Myron Krotinger (McDonald Hopkins); Sam Komito, Leon Plevin (Nurenberg Plevin Heller McCarthy); Judge Anne Kilbane (Nurenberg Plevin); Maury Heller, Cyril McIlhargie (Nurenberg Plevin); Lou Paisley (Weston Hurd); Judge Charlie Clarke (Squire Sanders); Bernie Berkman, Larry Gordon, Michael Murray (Berkman Gordon); Bob Fogarty (Hahn Loeser); Robin Weaver, Fred Nance, Damond Mace (Squire Sanders); Mark McCarthy (Tucker Ellis); Mike Gallagher, Alton Stephens, Jim Gowan (Gallagher Sharp); Bill Bashein (Bashein Levine & Keyes); Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Convention (yuk!).

And the warmth, professional support, and fun he brought to the job: Chair races around Isabell’s desk in the Engineers Building; The “dictionary” game where the leader opens the dictionary and pulls out a word, the contestants write their best rendition of what the dictionary would say as the definition, and then everyone votes on the best answer. Even when he didn’t know the word, he was just so good at sounding like he IS the dictionary.

His fishing stories, travel stories, and best of all - PEOPLE stories. He kept a list of everyone who worked at Mehler & Hagestrom - from the beginning of time - and had a story of each one. From his Book 1 notes – attendance was $3 an hour and his life-long love, Judy, negotiated his first raise, left reporting to help save his beloved Academy of Court Reporting, and inspirationally touched so many people that to this day many working reporters speak of the open kindness and insight he shared with them.

So this new dictionary term for Dennis: "Frientor: frenˌ tôr. noun. leader, trusted advisor, mentor, confidante. See also: Dennis Hagestrom."

Mary R. Jones,
RDR (Ret.)
Henderson, Nevada

Bruce Matthews,
FAPR, RDR, CRR (Ret.)
Lakewood, Ohio

Remembering things aside from reporting are the things I remember best about Dennis: golf, fishing, just laughing and having a great time. We dictated many NCRA tests together and many state contests together, attended many meetings together. He was a very good man and a very good friend. I’ll miss his laugh and his smile.

Sarah Nageotte,
FAPR, RDR, CRR, CRC
Jefferson, Ohio

It brings me great sadness to hear of the passing of Denny.  Without Dennis Hagestrom, I would not know the court reporting profession.  I was introduced to both Dennis and the profession in 1996 during my senior year of high school.  I thought what he was demonstrating was impossible, that no one could use a crazy-looking machine and take down verbatim what was being said and be able to instantly read it back.  Wow.  It was magical and I was hooked.

Throughout the past 25+ years, my admiration and respect for Dennis has grown.  He was a tremendous man, devoting himself to his family and always having time to give back to his profession, even after retirement.  

Dennis, I thank you for everything.  I would not be who I am today without you.  My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.  May you rest in peace.  <3 

Pamela Spangler Reis,
Cincinnati, Ohio

What a gift Dennis was to the field of court reporting. He was an incredible motivator and mentor. His contributions to OCRA and NCRA were endless. He was able to accomplish so much because of his sense of humor, dedication, and love of the profession, love for his family, and their incredible support. 

Thank you, Dennis, for your support and caring nature. Your family will remain in my thoughts and memories.