Eugene (Gene) Richard Wagner departed this mortal coil May 8th, 2020 at the incredible age of 103.
Born in Mankato MN, Dad grew up on the family farm until he attended and graduated from Mankato Business School. He had quite a few interests including music, which he indulged by being in a local band. He signed up for the Army, and while he was in his barracks, he got his draft notice. Once his three-year enlistment was up, Dad told his sergeant, “I’m done.” His sergeant responded, “You may be done with the Army, but the Army’s not done with you. You aren’t getting out until we win.” We all know how WW2 turned out, we won, and Dad finally got out two years later. He was discharged from Fort Lewis and planned on going back to Mankato, but ended up getting employed at Boeing for 90 and a half cents an hour, so he stayed in the Seattle area.
Dad eventually quit Boeing and started a construction company that afforded a good life for him, his wife, Flossie, and their nine kids. After retiring, he started a second career/hobby of salmon fishing out of Westport. He was lucky to find a way to make his fishing boat earn its keep.
Later on in retirement, Dad was a morning regular at Countryside Doughnut House in Kirkland. They even made him a doughnut that spelled out the number 100 for his 100th birthday.
Dad was preceded on his way to heaven by his wife, Flossie, and his son, Ron. He is survived by 8 children: Beverly, Eileen, Joanne, Michael, Charles, Steven, Marilyn, and Patricia, plus numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Dad was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as an usher at Holy Family Church in Kirkland. He always tried to see the good in people, and that may be the reason the Good Lord kept him on this earth for so long. He will be missed by family and friends alike. Godspeed Dad.
The post first appeared on Barton Family Funeral Service.