Paul W. "Bill" Wagner

Paul W. "Bill" Wagner, 79, of Roslyn, passed away peacefully Sunday, November 3, 2024, at his home in Roslyn.

Funeral services will be 10:30 am Saturday, November 9, 2024, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Webster. Military interment will immediately follow at the Roslyn Cemetery. A luncheon will follow burial at the Roslyn Event Center.

Visitation will be 5-7 pm Friday, at the funeral home with a prayer service at 6:30 pm.

Bill was born on August 10, 1945, to Paul and Vanda (Christensen) Wagner in Webster, South Dakota. The family moved from Pierpont and established their farm northwest of Roslyn in 1952. He attended school at Roslyn and graduated in 1963. After high school, Bill attended Springfield College, studying automotive mechanics. He then continued his studies at South Dakota State University while working various jobs in Brookings, before being drafted to serve in the Army during the Vietnam War. Bill enlisted in the Army in February 1968 and was released from active duty in September 1969. His skills as a mechanic allowed him to serve his country honorably. 

Upon returning from the war, Bill made his home in Roslyn and began farming. He met Mary Samson and they were united in marriage in Eden, South Dakota on February 8, 1975. They were blessed with three children: Beth, Jessica, and Joshua. Bill farmed independently before joining together to farm with his father and two brothers, Terry and Loren, in 1981. While farming duties were mostly shared, Bill’s focus and passion was on buying and selling feeder livestock. He retired from farming in 2011. In his retirement he continued to frequent the sale barn and to be counted on for his expertise in the livestock industry.

Bill was also an active member of the community and gave generously of his time. He was a member of the Roslyn Legion and Roslyn Lutheran Church. He served on many boards including the Eden Elevator, Liberty Township, Thrivent and Church Council. The highlight of his service was to the Roslyn School Board, where he gave over fifteen years. 

Bill valued dedication and hard work. He still made time and enjoyed playing cards with family, friends, and the “coffee” crew. He rarely missed any of his children’s school activities and especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow up and attending their events. 

He is survived by Mary Wagner, his children; Beth (Nate) Sundberg, Emmy and Austin of Plymouth, MN; Jessica (Al) Kjenstad, Ethan, Abby, Isaac and Abe of Aberdeen, SD and Joshua Wagner of Roslyn, SD, his sisters; Cheryl (Jay) Dwight of Langford, SD and Marilyn (Jim) Vietor of Pierre, SD and his brother; Terry (Patty) Wagner of Roslyn, SD and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Vanda, his stepmother; Jackie Wagner, and two brothers; Allen and Loren Wagner.