Jack Dwight Wagner

Arapahoe, Nebraska Jack Dwight Wagner, age 91, of Arapahoe, Nebraska died on Sunday, July 1, 2012 at the C.A. Mues Good Samaritan Center in Arapahoe, Nebraska. He was born on August 26, 1920 north of Arapahoe, Nebraska to Dr. John S. & Verna R. (Hutchinson) Wagner. He lived with his family at Campbell, Nebraska where his father was a practicing Veterinarian, until 1931 when they moved to the Wagner family farm east of Holbrook, Nebraska. He went to school at Holbrook High School and graduated with the Class of 1938. In the fall following graduation, he was employed by Phillipson’s Market in Holbrook until April of 1940 when he began employment with Williams Brothers Grocery Department in Arapahoe. He married Ellen Mae Larson on April 27, 1941 at the Trinity Lutheran Parsonage in Arapahoe, Nebraska. He then served in the military during World War II from July of 1942 until November of 1945, serving in the Pacific theater at New Caledonia and Guadalcanal. After his discharge from the military, he was employed by Williams Brothers Shoe Department and later the Grocery Department. In September of 1954 they purchased the Modern Market formerly owned and operated by Orval V. Moore. The store remained at that location until March of 1961. In December of 1960, they purchased the Williams Brothers building and in March of 1961 they opened in the larger building as a Supermarket with entirely new fixtures and stock with the balcony and basement continuing in operation. They continued management of the store until October of 1982 when they retired. His wife Ellen Mae passed away on June 28, 2011. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Arapahoe, Nebraska and held several offices. He was a Past President of Arapahoe Chamber of Commerce and also a member of the Edison American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Arapahoe Lions Club, and served on the Board of Directors for Affiliated Foods. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Ellen Mae, granddaughter Shelli Haarberg-Wendland, brothers Gerald Calvin & Jerry Lee Wagner, sister Mary Etta Wagner. He is survived by his Daughters: Naomi Ruth Haarberg and husband Lorris of Arapahoe, Nebraska Sandra Jean Morse and husband Larry of Sarasota, Florida Sue Ellen Wagner-Bidwell & husband Bruce of Percival, Iowa Grandchildren: 5 Great Grandchildren: 10 Grandson-In-Law: Dave Wendland Condolences or personal reflections can be left at wenburgfuneralhome.com Viewing and visitation will be Thursday, July 5, 2012 from 10 AM till 8 PM at Wenburg Funeral Home, in Arapahoe, Nebraska and prior to the service at the church. Funeral services will be Friday, July 6, 2012 at 10 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Arapahoe, Nebraska with Rev. James Moshier, officiating. Burial will be at the Arapahoe Cemetery, in Arapahoe, Nebraska. Memorial can be given in his name. Wenburg Funeral Home, of Arapahoe, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.