Andrew S. Hagedorn

Andrew Stewart Hagedorn of Overland Park, Kansas passed away peacefully on September 7, 2024 at the age of 76. He was preceded in death by his loving parents, William C. Hagedorn and Mary Janet Hagedorn (née Stewart). Andy is survived by his older brother, William Hagedorn, his cousins and their families, his colleagues and friends at Rockhurst High School, and his many former students and student-athletes. 

Born in Cincinnati, OH, Andy graduated from Saint Xavier High School, the Jesuit, all-boys secondary school in Cincinnati. He continued his education at Xavier University, graduating in 1970. Andy then began his long and celebrated teaching career, first at Covington Catholic High School in Park Hills, KY and then at Francis Parker School in San Diego, CA. He earned a Master’s degree at Northern Kentucky University in 1980 during the first decade of his teaching career. 

In 1989, Andy arrived at Rockhurst High School where he taught English for 35 years, serving as the English Department Chair for nearly half of those years. Andy taught all course levels at Rockhurst, teaching primarily AP English Language and Composition and AP English Literature and Composition to juniors and seniors during the last two decades of his life. 

In addition to his work in the classroom, Andy coached swimming, first at Covington Catholic High School and then at Rockhurst High School. Andy started the Rockhurst Swim & Dive Program in 1991 with only 12 swimmers on the team. He continued to build up the program through 1999, which included winning six consecutive league titles, and he is affectionately known as the “Godfather of the AquaHawks.” 

During his 54 years of teaching, Andy set a high standard for his students. His commitment to their academic development was only surpassed by his dedication to their formation and personal growth. Andy’s impact on his students, both inside and outside the classroom, is demonstrated by the number of alumni with whom he remained in touch for years after they graduated. Many returned enthusiastically to campus to reminisce with Andy about their shared time together, and to talk about college, faith, family, literature, and life. May his legacy continue to shine forth in the students and teachers whose lives have been impacted by his generosity. 

A visitation will be held at 4:00 PM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 5:00 PM on Monday, September 16th at Curé of Ars Catholic Church at 9401 Mission Road in Leawood, Kansas. A reception at the parish will follow the Mass. Internment will occur at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Fort Mitchell, KY, on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 10:00 AM, where Andy’s parents are buried. 

For those unable to attend the services on Monday, September 16th, the Funeral Mass will be live streamed. Andy's live streamed link will be added 10 minutes before the scheduled start time at https://www.cureofars.com/funeral 

On Wednesday, November 27th, Rockhurst High School will host a Memorial Mass and reception in celebration of Andy’s life and his commitment to Catholic and Jesuit education. Additional details, including the time, are to be determined. 

Mr. Hagedorn did ask that any memorial gifts to be directed to the Andrew S. Hagedorn Scholarship Fund at Rockhurst High School, noting "Hagedorn Scholarship" in the comments section.