Meet Eric Hagenow, a man whose life journey has been guided by faith, family, and a deep commitment to St. Peter Lutheran and the Hemlock community. The grandson of a Chicago policeman and the son of a Lutheran minister, Eric was born in Illinois, moved to Berkley, Michigan, and eventually settled with his family in the "Sugar Beet Capital," Sebewaing. Growing up in a household where foster care was a passion for his parents, Eric and his siblings experienced a steady flow of children coming through their doors. This environment influenced his profound understanding of the importance of providing healthy structure and a firm foundation for kids in need.
Eric graduated in 1992 from Valley Lutheran High School, where he met the love of his life, Margaret. They married in 1996 and have since built a life together rooted in faith and service to Lutheran education. Eric continued his education at Concordia University Ann Arbor, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1996 and later, a master’s degree in administration in 2011. His dedication to Christian education and leadership extends beyond his work at St. Peter Lutheran School, as he has served on the Board of Regents at Concordia University from 2006-2009 and as a member of the Michigan District Board of Directors from 2014-2022.
Eric and Margaret settled in Hemlock, where they both accepted teaching positions at St. Peter Lutheran School. Eric became principal in 2009 while continuing to teach math and science to junior high students and serving as the school’s athletic director. Margaret, equally passionate about education, teaches English Language Arts and math to students in 5th through 8th grade.
A lifelong athlete, Eric played basketball through high school and college and has coached both boys and girls basketball at St. Peter for many years. His love for the game led to the creation of S.K.I.L.L.S. Basketball Camp, which stands for Spirit, Knowledge, Intensity, Love, Leadership, Sacrifice. He started the camp in 1995 with his brother-in-law, Matt Bauer, a longtime teacher and basketball coach here at Hemlock High School. Their camps, which emphasize sportsmanship, faith, and a strong work ethic, have served over 400 children each summer and have become a staple in the communities they reach. S.K.I.L.L.S. Basketball Camps have been held in various locations, including St. Peter, Hemlock High School, Holy Cross in Saginaw and St. Lorenz in Frankenmuth, among others throughout the state.
The Hagenow family’s commitment to education runs deep. Eric not only teaches alongside his wife but also had the unique opportunity to work with his father from 1999-2012 while he pastored at St. Peter Lutheran Church. Their two children, Lindsay and Brady, have followed in their parents’ footsteps, both graduating from SVSU in education and contributing to the early childhood department at St. Peter. Lindsay is now a 2nd grade teacher at Holy Cross Lutheran School, where her father-in-law is the principal, and her husband, Anthony Wolter, also teaches 2nd grade at St. Peter. Brady, a beloved 3rd grade teacher at Hemlock’s K.C. Ling Elementary School, shares his father’s passion for teaching and basketball, even assisting Coach Bauer with coaching the 8th grade boys' basketball team.
"It has been a blessing to do ministry with my family at St. Peter where we continue to teach children about Jesus every day, and to be a part of this tightly knit community," Eric reflects with a smile.
As Eric looks forward to the arrival of his first grandchild at the end of the month, his story continues to be one of deep roots, strong faith, and unwavering commitment to his family, to St. Peter Lutheran and the Hemlock community.