Garry Wagner

Garry W. Wagner, 79, of Bismarck, ND, passed away on September 14, at the Baptist Home, Bismarck.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 1143 N 26th St., Bismarck. To view the service livestream, click this link: https://www.facebook.com/lordoflifebismarck

Visitation will be held 5:00-6:30 PM, Monday, September 18, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck, with a prayer service starting at 6:30 PM.

Garry W. Wagner was born February 19, 1944 in Minot ND, the third son of Clara (Jungling) and Deofil Wagner. He was raised in Max, graduating from Max High School in 1962 then continuing to work on the family farm.

What started as a blind date led to a happy family when Garry married Linda Sayler Briggs on October 6, 1973, in Garrison ND and her children became his. He was so excited when their daughter Sara Beth completed their family. He spoiled his kids, rarely saying no.  

While living in town, Garry continued to farm. He taught his kids the important life lessons – how to drive stick shift, tractor, grain truck, and combine. Never far was his dog Sheba, his girlfriend who sat right beside him in the pickup wherever he went. In addition to farming, Garry began a career with the ND Department of Agriculture. He was passionate about his job, advancing in his career and eventually moving to Mandan and working out of the State Capital. He was also president of the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials, 2006-2007. He retired in 2008 after 25 years of service.

Garry sang for many years in church choirs and then with the Bismarck Elks Chorus. He enjoyed the music, the people, and the travel – taking chorus trips to several places across the country.

Following Garry’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, he and his wife Linda helped to start the Bismarck Parkinson’s support group in 2011, as well as the annual Parkinson’s Walk Run. 2023 was the 13th year of raising funds and spreading awareness.

Garry was always kind and compassionate. He was a quiet, hard worker, who never complained. He was humble (unless he was bragging about the Green Bay Packers). He was a big teddy bear, just like his Pa.

Garry had a special bond with the staff at the Baptist Home in Bismarck. He loved and appreciated them, and we’d like to think he was a favorite of theirs. They knew they could always stop in his room to catch a Braves game on TV or talk about his beloved Packers. His family is so grateful for the care that he received.

Survivors: 

Children   Korie (Ron) Huettl, Jonathan (Carmen) Briggs, and Sara (Jon) Kelsch

Grandchildren   Emily Huettl (Dustin Anderson), Jordan (Katie) Huettl, Kyle Briggs, Lexus (Michael) Wiest, Leah Kelsch, and Bryson Kelsch.

Great grandchildren Etta, Archer & Della Huettl, Rhys Anderson, and Henry & Owen Wiest.

Sister in-law Beverly Wagner, brother-in-law Ernie (Debbie) Sayler, sister-in-law Jan (Eric) Greenwell. Nieces & nephews  Steve, David, Lynae, Ron, Denise, Allison, Dennes, Randy, Hollie, Lauri, Candace, Jeff, many extended family members, including the Briggs and the Hottells.

Preceded in death by his wife, Linda, parents, Clara and Deofil Wagner, brothers Curtis (Wilma) Wagner & Dennes Wagner.  In laws Dave & Leona Sayler, Sister-in-law Rita Sayler. Niece Diane Cottingham, nephews Rory Sayler, Todd Sayler, great nephew Travis Wagner, and many extended family members.