Dr. Richard Davis Hagni
Rolla, Missouri
Dr. Richard Davis Hagni, 94, passed away peacefully in his home in Rolla, Missouri, on February 10, 2026. He was born on April 29, 1931, in Howell, Michigan to Walter and Merle (Whittaker) Hagni, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his wife of almost 70 years, Rachael (Stutzman) Hagni, his daughter Sandra Ostergren, and his sisters Elizabeth Ayala and Marcia Henrikson.Richard (Dick) dedicated his life to the study and teaching of Geology. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University, and earned a PhD in Geology from the University of Missouri. He taught at Missouri University of Science & Technology for 44 years, and was awarded Curator’s Distinguished Professor of Geology in 1993, the highest research honor in the University of Missouri System. He retired in 2000 as Professor Emeritus after serving as Department Chair of Geology & Geophysics (1985-2000), and…
