Discover the fascinating history of Appleton with the Appleton Historical Society and Appleton Public Library! Join us for engaging, monthly presentations where history comes alive – every 2nd Wednesday at 6:30 pm (no December meeting). Each session features a different speaker and topic, all dedicated to celebrating and exploring Appleton’s rich past. Best of all, it’s completely free and open to everyone – no membership required! Learn more about Appleton Historical Society at https://www.appletonhistory.com/.
This month’s presentation: History of ThedaStar
In 2026, ThedaStar will celebrate 40 years of service. Join Jon Hagen, RN, who was a flight nurse there from 1994 – 2008, as he recounts the program’s history from the first flight in 1986 until today. He will use a PowerPoint presentation to document key happenings, not only for ThedaStar, but the Trauma Program at ThedaCare – Neenah (formerly Theda Clark Regional Medical Center).
Jon Hagen was 18 years old when he was hired by Gold Cross Ambulance in June 1977. He was an Emergency Medical Technician and had worked part-time at Holly Ambulance in Waupaca, WI, his hometown. Jon received paramedic training and earned his paramedic license. He worked at Gold Cross during the “paramedic issue.”
In 1991, he became a registered nurse and began working in the Intensive Care Unit at Appleton Memorial Hospital. In December 1994, he was hired by ThedaStar Air Medical as a flight nurse until April 2008 when he joined the crew of Flight For Life. In 1996 he founded ThedaStar’s newsletter ThedaStar Dispatch. One of his articles, “Just a Kiss,” was published in Air Medical Journal and in A Legacy of Caring (published by the Air & Service Transport Nurses Association).
In 2002, he was awarded a Nightingale Award by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. In 2017, he was recognized as a “Star of Life” by the Professional Ambulance Association of Wisconsin. He retired from flight nursing that July.
Jon has authored two books: Coroner Calls – which documents more than a decade of cases he investigated as a deputy coroner – and Appleton’s EMS Evolution, which discusses the development of emergency medical services in Appleton.
Jon and his wife, Pam, are enjoying retirement together. They have two daughters, two-sons-in-law, and three awesome granddaughters. Like most people working in emergency medical services, Jon achieved many certifications and licensures over the years but he’ll spare you the “alphabet soup.”