William 'Bill' Wagner

William F. Wagner, 86, died Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009 at his home in Libby from natural causes.

He was born Nov. 13, 1923 in Wibaux to Otto and Mary Skelton Wagner. He spent his early years in Savage. His father managed cattle and sheep ranches so the family lived in numerous places around the state.

Bill began high school in Sidney where he started as a freshman on the varsity football team. His sophomore year he was in Cut Bank where he played football. The family moved to Stanford where he graduated with the class of 1942.

Mr. Wagner married Hyacinth Eileen Rolwitz in 1944 at her home in Stanford. Shortly after their wedding he left for the Navy. He served for four years in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater.

After his military service Mr. Wagner and his wife operated a feedlot near Fargo, N.D. They operated a number of ranches in Montana and North Dakota before settling on a farm near Savage.

He later went to work for the Knife River Coal Mine where he worked for 30 years. He retired 25 years ago and moved to Libby to be close to his daughter Janel.

He enjoyed going agate picking on the Yellowstone River, helping his daughter on her sheep ranch, training mules, hunting, fishing and gardening. 

Survivors include his three children Janel Cotter and husband Ervin of Libby; Terry Heinrich and husband Jim of Phoenix, Ariz.; Scott Wagner and wife Carol of Colstrip; 13 grandchildren Sherie, Bill, Susie, Lorie, Doug, Casey, Carie Ann, Michelle, Frank, Mindy, Jerry, David and Elizabeth; numerous great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

A celebration of life will take place at the Cotter family home on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009 at 6 p.m.

Schnackenberg and Nelson Funeral Home of Libby is handling local arrangements.