Gene W. Wagar Jr.

Gene Willis Wagar Jr., was born September 29, 1951, to Gene and Barbara (Kauk) Wagar Sr., in Grand Forks, ND. He grew up in Halstad, MN, where he graduated from high school. After high school, Gene attended Mayville State University, Mayville, ND, for a short period of time. He then began to work at American Crystal Sugar, where he worked for thirty-two years.

On February 15, 1986, Gene married Erlys J. Moore in Perley, MN, and they made their home in Dilworth. Gene became a proud parent with the birth of his son, Benjamin, that same year.

Gene served on the Dilworth City Council and was president of the Dilworth Lions Club. He was treasurer of the Lions District 5 M-11, and was a Melvin Jones award recipient. He was an active member of Dilworth Lutheran Church, serving as treasurer and on the church council. Gene was also an Eagle Scout.

Gene died Monday, January 3, 2005, in St. Joseph's Hospital, St. Paul, MN, at the age of fifty-three.
Gene enjoyed snowmobiling, auto racing, engine building, and AMC muscle cars. He also loved to travel. Gene was not afraid of hard work and was always willing to help anyone, anytime. He never sought recognition for his accomplishments and unselfishly worked behind the scenes.

Gene is survived by his son, Ben, Bemidji, MN; his parents, Gene Sr. and Barbara, Halstad; two sisters, Judy Wagar, Minneapolis, MN, and Jodi (Paul) Baumgartner, Harwood, ND; three brothers, John (MaryJo), Fargo, ND, Bob (Anna), Lafayette, LA, and Rick (Kristy), Fargo; special friends, Erlys J. Moore, Bemidji, and Delores Moore, Dilworth; many nieces and nephews; and a grandnephew. He was preceded in death by a nephew, Erich Wagar.


Visitation will be on Thursday, January 6, 2005, from 5 - 8 PM, with a prayer service at 7 PM, Dilworth Lutheran Church.


Funeral will be on Friday, January 7, 2005, at 11 AM, Dilworth Lutheran Church.


Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead