- Date Of Birth: April 2, 1928
- Date Of Death: October 6, 2011
- State: Colorado
J. DONALD WAGNER April 2, 1928 – October 6, 2011
J. Donald Wagner, 83, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Littleton, Colorado with family beside him on Thursday, October 6, 2011 following a courageous two year battle with cancer.
Don was born April 2, 1928 to Benjamin William Wagner and Jennie Louise (Oltman) Wagner in Clatonia, Nebraska. At a young age and as the oldest of 5 children, he gained his strong and respectable work ethic while working together with his dad who owned a grocery store in Clatonia. While in high school, his family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, and he later graduated from Lincoln High School in 1945. He attended the University of Nebraska for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He was stationed at Fort Belvore, Virginia for 2 years during which he became a sergeant. In 1949, Don returned to the University of Nebraska to attend for 3 more years. While at the University, he joined the U.S. Air Force ROTC and became a 1st Lieutenant, followed by 14 years in the Reserves.
Don met Carolyne Marie Hild in 1950, and they married on August 29, 1952 in Lincoln, Nebraska. The joy of his life for nearly 60 years was his beloved bride. After marrying Carolyne, they moved to Colorado to begin their new life together. Don soon became a General Insurance Agent, with early involvements in life insurance. He later developed and enhanced his own specialty of Student Accident and Health Insurance, while bringing his expertise to three different companies as a General Insurance Agent for over 30 years. Don went into business for himself, starting his own insurance company in 1985, and later worked out of his home office from 2002 up until the time of his death. Don was always well-respected and trusted because of his strong character and integrity.
In 1956, Don became active in Toastmasters, and remained very involved for nearly 15 years. He became the first District Governor for the Colorado/Wyoming region, and also became highly involved as a judge for speech competitions throughout the Colorado/Wyoming District. In I970, Don was elected Chairman of the Board for Sunny Acres Villa Retirement Community.
Don was loved by many, and will be dearly missed. Survivors include: Don’s loving wife, Carolyne; 4 children, Rand (Jan) Wagner, of Lakewood Colorado; Tari Atchison, of Northfield Minnesota; Tamra (Steve) Lavengood, of Durango Colorado; and Scott Wagner, of Littleton Colorado; 14 grandchildren, Bobby (Lindsey) Wagner, Tommy (Brooke) Wagner, Andrew (Esther) Wagner, and Carrie Wagner; Brittany Atchison, Eric Atchison, and Christine Atchison; John Lavengood, Kathryn Lavengood, Emily Lavengood, and Matthew Lavengood. McKenna Wagner, Keegan Wagner, and DJ Petersen; sisters, Janice (Jerry) West, of Dayton Ohio; Joy Saville, of Princeton New Jersey; brother, Roland (Bonnie) Wagner, of Fullerton California; sister-in-law, Carol Wagner, of Phoenix Arizona; and numerous nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Jennie Wagner; brother, Bob Wagner; and brother-in-law, Dudley Saville.
Don was a pillar of strength to his family. His life was such an example of loving and serving others, while living life to the fullest and always striving for excellence. He passed on a wonderful heritage to his family through his consistent and unconditional love, faith in God, gracious humility, unquenchable optimism, and desire to learn. His spirit of generosity, forgiveness, wisdom, honesty and laughter significantly add to his legacy. His vibrant spirit, positive zest for life, and genuine love for others overflowed. Don kept “Hope” alive and brought strength to others through his encouraging, uplifting ways. He knew how to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Don Wagner showed us all what the “Essence of Life” is really about…by embracing the ordinary yet always finding beauty, glory, and significance. He was a remarkable person! Don’s life impacted everyone who knew him. He will be forever cherished in the memories of his family and friends!
