Wiley Wagner passed away June 27, 2014, from complications of lung cancer. The cancer took his body, but it could not touch his spirit. He was alert, engaged and happy to be able to talk with family and friends to the end.
Wiley Edward Wagner was born June 12, 1938, in Lewiston, to Joe and Wilma Wagner. We are pretty sure it was a warm sunny day. He grew up on the family farm near Craigmont, where he learned his love of farming, ranching and family. He attended school in Craigmont, graduating in 1956.
After high school he went to the University of Idaho and pledged the Beta Fraternity. It was a great pleasure when one of his grandsons joined the same fraternity 50 years later. He loved going back to the house and telling stories about the house mothers who had been there, beehives being tossed in open windows and the furniture that was brand new back when he joined.
He married Carole Vann on Sept. 9, 1966. Together they were a force to be reckoned with. They moved to the family farm near Craigmont, where they raised their five children with lots of love and laughter. Working on the farm was his greatest pleasure and was made even better if his kids or grandkids were working along with him.
Wiley loved attending the countless concerts, programs, sporting events and other activities of his grandchildren. He and Carole enjoyed their travels together, especially their annual trip to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. More recently, he enjoyed traveling down the East Coast with his friend, Jeanne Asker and his brother, Jack and wife Andy.
Wiley was a longtime supporter of the Lewiston Roundup Association. He was a director for more than 20 years and served as chairman of the royalty and livestock committees for many years. He served as president for a term. A highlight of his time on the board was when he and Carole would travel with the royalty to area rodeos and parades.
Wiley is survived by four sons, two daughters and their spouses, Kerry (Becky), Stacy, Scott (Jacquie), Joe (Doni), Drew and Stephanie (Gary); and 16 grandchildren. He is survived by his friend and companion, Jeanne Asker, who took good care of him until the end. He is also survived by his sister, Joan (Chuck) Eck of Seattle; and brother Jack (Andrea) Wagner of Lewiston. He was preceded in death by his wife and soulmate, Carole; and his parents, Joe and Wilma.
Wiley was loved by all who knew him. Our family feels a deep sense of loss, but we take comfort knowing he is back together with mom. We are quite sure she already has him lined out. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at CrossPoint Alliance Church in Lewiston, with a celebration of life to follow in the Ketch Pen at the Lewiston Roundup grounds. We suggest that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Foundation for the use of the oncology department.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Friday, July 11, 1:30 PM
- Location
-
CrossPoint Alliance Church
1330 Powers Avenue
Lewiston, ID 83501
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Condolences
C.D.Smith at Gift World, Inc. Lewiston, Idaho
GOD BLESS a great man!
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:14 PM
Margaret Tatko Kubec
To all the Wagner relatives.....I am so sorry about Wiley's passing. He always made me laugh from school days until the last time I saw him. Your loss is the greatest but we will all miss him.
Sincerely,
Margaret Kubec
Saturday, January 17, 2015 3:14 PM
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