Donald E. Wager

Friday, June 22, 2018

Donald E. Wager, 92, Greencastle, passed away at 8:28 a.m. on June, 22 2018 at the Mill Pond Health Campus.

Don was born on Oct. 28, 1925 in Dawson, Minn., to Elmer A. Wager and Helen V. (Hanson) Wager.

On May 17, 1953 he married the love of his life, Marilyn Gayle Brattain, at the Russellville Christian Church, and she survives. Mom and Dad met at Minnesota Bible College in the Twin Cities and recently celebrated 65 years of a Christ-centered Marriage together.

Also surviving are his two sons, Mark A. Wager (Cindy) of Greencastle and Lynn J. Wager of Fillmore. He had six precious grandchildren, whom he loved to read to and attend all of their many sporting and school events, Heather (Jud) Huber of Greencastle, Jay Wager of Cincinnati, Amanda (Jason) Clearwaters of Avon, Dan (Megan) Wager of Greencastle, Sarah (Mark) Parker of Fillmore and Rebekah (Brent)

Richardson of Cloverdale.

Papaw Don was also blessed to enjoy 10 great-grandchildren, Chance, Emma, Brett, Jenna, Zane, Heidi, Meredith, Audrey, Max and Natalee.

Dad loved his brother and sisters. All survive, including Arlys (Nick) Saoi of Yankton, S.D., Betty Maynard of Canby, Minn., Paul (Mary) Wager of Dawson, Minn., and Bonita (Curt) Brandon of Rapid City, S.D.

He was preceded in death by his wonderful parents, an older baby brother, several aunts and uncles, a dear brother-in-law, Meredith Maynard, a precious niece, Michelle Maynard Chappuis, and a beloved daughter-in-law, Lesia A. Wager.

Don proudly served his country during World War II, first in the Merchant Marine, where he was a radio specialist and following the war joined the Army where he handled discharges. After the service he attended Minnesota Bible College in the Twin Cities. Dad worked at IBM in Greencastle for 32 years as a payroll accounting specialist.

Don was one of the founding members of Greencastle Christian Church and served as elder, deacon, treasurer and in the early days even the piano player.

Singing was one of Dad's passions. He took lessons and developed his baritone voice which God used mightily to bless churches in the Midwest and upper Midwest. Dad never turned down an opportunity to present the Gospel in song.

Another passion of Don's was his Hackney ponies. His love for horses and ponies developed while growing up on his folks' family farm in Minnesota. Dad participated in horse shows all over South Dakota and Minnesota while growing up. He was a mentor to his younger siblings and shared his love and passion for horses with them.

We will truly miss this wonderful man so very much yet rejoice because he is in Heaven with Jesus and reunited with loved ones and friends who have gone before.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, June 27 at the Greencastle Christian Church from 4-7 p.m. Services will be at 7 p.m. with Mark Wager officiating.

Bousley Funeral Home in Coatesville has assisted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to Greencastle Christian Church to be an used where funds are most needed.