NEW ULM — An 82-year-old New Ulm civic leader who served for many years on a number of commissions and boards including the RENU (Reinvest in New Ulm) Committee died Jan. 9 at the St. John Circle of Care in Springfield.

James “Jim” A Hogen served for many years on the New Ulm City Planning Commission, Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Police Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, New Ulm City Cemetery Board, and RENU Committee.

Hogen’s motion to formally approve the RENU Committee’s final recommendation for a number of projects in June 2016 led to the construction of the Recreation Center expansion with indoor playground, wellness and gymnastic facilities, Johnson Baseball Park and Hermann Heights Park improvements.

Hogen volunteered locally with Meals on Wheels and the New Ulm Medical Center (NUMC) Auxiliary. He was a St. Mary’s Catholic Church usher and New Ulm Country Club member.

Hogen was named the Brown County Outstanding Senior Citizen at Brown County Fair Senior Day in 2015.

He was cited for numerous volunteer projects including being a NUMC escort, the Heart of New Ulm, Red Cross Bloodmobile and an election judge.

Hogen’s mother Loretta received the same award in 1983.

A number of New Ulm city leaders who served on boards and commissions with Hogen fondly recalled serving with him in recent years.

“I appreciated his commitment to planning ahead for New Ulm’s future and as a hospital volunteer. He was a faithful servant for others and other community volunteer efforts,” said NUMC President Toby Freier.

New Ulm Community Development Director Dave Schnobrich said he was associated with Hogen on Planning and Zoning Commission.

“He (Hogen) was a good guy to work with. He ran a good meeting, voicing his opinion, welcoming discussion on agenda items. He was not afraid to voice disagreement with requests made or staff comments. He believed in following City rules and regulations,” said Schnobrich.

New Ulm Fourth Ward City Councilor Larry Mack said he served with Hogen on the planning commission.

“He was a good guy, very organized and always asked good questions. He tried to make sure everyone knew what action was being taken on items being addressed,” Mack said.

Mass of Christian burial is 11 a.m. Jan. 15 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, New Ulm. Visitation is 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14 at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-North Chapel in New Ulm and continues 10-11 a.m. Monday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.