(George) Allan Hagelthorn was promoted to heaven on Monday, December 9, 2024 having reached the grand old age of 98 three days prior.  The last of the Hagelthorn's greatest generation, he is survived by his children Bruce (spouse Kathleen), James (spouse Grace), Diane (spouse Tony), grandchildren Lauren, William (spouse Michaela), and Emily.  He was Uncle Al to thirteen nieces and nephews, plus a myriad of grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Al was a long-time resident of Dearborn, having been born and raised there; then returning with his fledgling family in 1965 at the start of his engineering career.  Of late, he was a resident of South Lyon, Michigan; but prior to that resided in Vya, Nevada and Livonia, Michigan.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the end of World War II, but didn't see active service until his time in the U.S. Air Force.  He was in the Korean War where he was a M.A.S.H. helicopter pilot (likely inspirational for a number of nephews).  He was a graduate of Michigan Technological University, in ways in partnership with the Air Force (ROTC and G.I. Bill).  He later attained his Professional Engineering license.  Occupation wise, he had a short stint at Ford Motor Company where he met his (late) wife of 57 years Joan (Jo-Jo) Palmer.  There were a few years of employment with several power tool companies before his fifteen-plus year career with Fruehauf Trailers.

Al might best be classified as a creative, visionary optimist.  He retired early, formed his own company (Rather Engineering) and pursued his dream of improving the transportational safety of highway vehicles.  He served as an expert witness in highway mishaps, garnered a number of patents along the way and wrote a book on road safety.  Golf, especially with Jo-Jo, was his favorite hobby into his 80's.  He was one to charge headlong into new directions – be up mountains with his boys, or onto new careers.  Al modelled the 'can-do' spirit, the tenet of hard work, and love for family.  Though missed greatly, we will treasure the many shared memories collected over the long years he graced this earth.

A memorial and testimony to his amazing life will be held on April 5 2025, at Oak Pointe Church located 50200 W 10 Mile Rd, Novi, MI 48374 Gathering will be at 10am with a service at 11am.