Eugene Willard Wagner

Eugene Willard Wagner, 93, passed away on Thursday afternoon, April 18th, 2024, in his rural Fisher, MN, home with his loving family at his side.

 Eugene was born in Crookston, MN on December 4, 1930 to Martin and Ida (Heydt) Wagner. He grew up on the family’s farm near Fisher together with his 8 brothers and sisters, was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, and graduated from Fisher High School with the Class of 1948. After attending Bemidji State College he began farming in Lowell Township. Eugene was called to serve his country as he entered the US Army on December 11, 1952, and served a tour of duty in the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge on September 24, 1954 he returned to the farm. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Gladys Ann Jurchen, on August 21, 1955 in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Crookston. The coming years would find Eugene and Gladys blessed with 8 children. As time passed they also found a place in their hearts and home to care for many foster children.

 Eugene and Gladys were devoted members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fisher, where he faithfully served his Savior in the church. He was also a member of the Walther League and served for many years as Lowell Township treasurer. Eugene was humble, compassionate, quiet by nature, and always put others first. Above all he was devoted to his wife, children, and their families. 

 Eugene will be lovingly remembered by Gladys, his beloved wife and partner for over 69 years; their 8 children and families: Daniel and Ellen Wagner of Sartell, MN, Barbara and Arnold Andring of Crookston, MN, Kenneth and Mary Wagner of Fisher, MN, David and Kim Wagner of Bellingham, WA, Heidi and Joseph Gubanyi of Seward, NE, James Wagner of Fisher, MN, Randall and Sarah Wagner of Fisher, MN, and Peter and Lori Wagner of Fisher, MN; 27 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Harriet Wagner of Fisher; nieces and nephews; extended family and many friends.

 Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Ida Wagner; his precious grandson, Joshua “Josh” Thiem; and his brothers, sisters, and their spouses: Evelyn (Noel) Wentzel, Lloyd Wagner, Irene (Amos) Ross, Delbert Wagner, Florence (Warner) Wentzel, Earl (Elizabeth) Wagner, Betty Lou (Marlin) Radi, and Rosemary (Eugene) Morken. 

 May God bless the memory of Eugene Willard Wagner.

 The funeral service celebrating the life of Eugene Wagner will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in the Trinity Lutheran Church, Fisher, MN, with Pastor Doug Thompson, officiating. Visitation will be held at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home, Crookston, on Tuesday from 5-6:00 p.m., with a 6:00 p.m. prayer service and time of memory sharing. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to the funeral in church. Following a luncheon there will be a graveside service at Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston where Military Honors will be provided by the MN National Guard Honors Team of Moorhead and the Crookston Veterans Council.  All 3 services will be livestreamed by going to Eugene’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Messages of condolence may be extended to Gladys and her family on the funeral home website as well.