Delbert L. “Del” Wagner of Hermiston, Oregon, was born on March 8, 1929, in Sidney, Nebraska, to parents Herman and Mary Sadle Wagner. He died on July 31, 2017, in Hermiston, Oregon, at the age of 88 years.
Del was raised and attended schools in Nebraska, graduating from North Platte High School in North Platte, Nebraska, in the class of 1947. He went to school to learn to be a linotype operator and then began his career.
Del was united in marriage to Ramona Lauer on November 11, 1950, in North Platte, Nebraska. They lived in many different states during his 25-year career at newspapers and job shops as well as owning and operating a burrito stand in California. Del then went to work doing God’s work as the custodian and grounds keeper at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and Christian School in North Platte, Nebraska. He served there for 30 years and also had a shoe repair business in his home for four years before he retired. They moved to Hermiston, Oregon in 2006 where they have lived since.
Del was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hermiston, Oregon, and the Typographical Union. He enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting and traveling.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ramona Wagner, Hermiston, Ore.; sons Douglas Wagner and wife Patricia, and Steven Wagner and wife Elaine, all of Hermiston, Ore.; brothers Robert Wagner and wife Vicky, Bogalusa, La., and James Wagner and wife Linda, Grove, Okla.; sister-in-law Wanda Wagner, Grove, Okla.; grandchildren Laura, Lucas (Tammy), Angela (Jeremy), Michelle and Lauren; 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Del was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Jean Arnesdorf; and a brother, Dale Wagner.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 515 S.W. Seventh St., Hermiston, Oregon.
Those who wish may make contributions in Del’s memory to Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Preschool or St. Judes Children Hospital.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon, is in care of arrangements.