Willis Wagner

Willis Wagner

July 19, 1935 - Aug. 30, 2024

RUSH CITY, Minn. - Willis Wagner of Rush City, Minn. passed away on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024 at the age of 89.

Willis was born July 19, 1935 to Oren and Viola Wagner in Culbertson, Neb. He was the oldest of two boys. He grew up helping on the family farm. Willis met Shirly Jeffers at the roller-skating rink and they were married on Feb. 12, 1955. They settled in McCook, Neb. and were blessed with three boys.

Willis started out working various jobs including plumbing, heating and air conditioning and repairing televisions. He went to work for TRW in McCook as an engineer. His work took him to several different countries, including Mexico for three years. When they returned from Mexico, they were located in Ogallala, Neb. After several years, Willis decided to join his son in the family business in White Bear Lake, Minn. Eventually they expanded the business and opened an office in Carrollton, Tex., where he was joined by two of his sons.

Willis and Shirley lived in Texas on a beautiful hobby farm until their retirement. When they retired, they first moved back to McCook, then eventually settled in Cambridge, Minn. They enjoyed helping with bingo and going to activities at “the big house” in the retirement community where they lived. As they grew older they decided to move into a smaller apartment. They found an apartment in Rush City at Rusheba where they enjoyed the wonderful care of the staff.

Willis is survived by children, David (Teresa) Wagner of Pine City, Minn. and Randy (Paul) Wagner of Santa Maria, Calif.; daughter-in-law, Kari Wagner of Kansas; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and brother, Don (Betsy) Wagner of Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Shirley; his parents Oren and Viola Wagner; and son Ronald.

A joint graveside service will be held for both Willis and Shirley at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024 at Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook with Pastor Jeff Kelley officiating.

Memorial contributions in their honor are suggested to the donor’s choice and may be directed to Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, c/o the Wagner Family, PO Box 476, McCook, NE 69001.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook, has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit our website at www.carpenterbreland.com to sign the online guestbook for the family.