Erik-Hans Vagen

Erik-Hans Vagen of Southampton, New Jersey at age 71, peacefully passed away Wednesday, August 28, 2024.  He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on May 8, 1953 to Hans and AnnaMarie Vagen.  He was proud of his Norwegian and Dutch heritage which inspired his passion for performing European Folk and Polka music on his accordion and piano, beginning at the age of 12y/o.  He grew up in Piscataway and then Navesink, NJ.  He graduated from Middletown High School in 1971 and then attended Luther College in Iowa, and later Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.  Upon returning to New Jersey, he joined his father as a carpenter. Shortly thereafter, he embarked on his lifetime career as a civil servant with the United States Postal Service continuing through 30+ years of service, eventually retiring from the Atlantic Highlands Post Office in 2015.

Erik-Hans met Kathleen Priscilla Bartha in 1976 through his sister Evelyn, a nurse at the Mount Holly Hospital.  They were married on July 15, 1978 and purchased a  home in West Keansburg/Hazlet  New Jersey. They raised their children and eventually retired to Southampton, New Jersey in 2019.  Erik continued to perform music regularly throughout his life, (family celebrations were always filled with lively music). He played gigs along the Jersey Shore and beyond in a variety of musical arrangements. Some highlights included “The Tides” wedding band and German Polka Band at many Oktoberfest celebrations.  He was known for his affable personality with his Post Officer customers and fellow musicians.  

Erik is survived by his wife Kathleen, his beloved children Erik Phillip (Lauren), Kristina Ilona (Mitchell Keingarsky), and Kevin Andrew (Katie), Grandfather to Annabelle, Samuel, Keenan, Evelyn, Sage and Gavin.  He is survived by his sisters, Evelyn Thompson and Elizabeth Bacque. His brother, Timothy Vagen, and his nieces, and nephew.

Visitation will be on Friday September 20, 2024 at 2:00PM at the BRADLEY & STOW FUNERAL HOME, 127 Medford-Mt.Holly Rd  Medford, NJ. Memorial Service to follow at 3:00PM.

The family requests memorial donations to the Crossroads Church Food Pantry, 445 Oakshade Road, Shamong, NJ 08088.

(www.BradleyStow.com)

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Erik-Hans Vagen, please visit our floral store.