Harley James Wagner

Ellendale, ND-Memorial Service for Harley James Wagner, 70, of Ellendale will be 2:00 pm, Saturday, June 19, 2021 at First Baptist Church in Ellendale. Rev. Glenn Raynor will officiate. The service will be live streamed and available at www.Carlsenfh.com under Harley’s obituary.

Harley died November 13, 2020 at Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center. 

Harley James Wagner was born May 7, 1950, in Ellendale, ND to Benjamin and Lillian (Trautmann) Wagner. He worked on one of his uncle’s farms during summers of his teenage years.  Harley graduated from Ellendale High School in 1968.  Following graduation, he served in the United States Navy for four years (March 1969 – January 1973) serving part of his time at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he attended Wahpeton School of Science graduating with an automotive mechanics degree.  He worked as a mechanic at Muscatel Chevrolet in Fargo, ND moving to Aurora, CO in 1978 where he continued to work as a mechanic at John Elway Jeep Dealership in Denver, CO. 

Harley was united in marriage to Judith “Judy” Waxvik Garceau on July 9, 1977 in Moorhead, MN. They had one son Michael, who joined Judy’s two daughters Rita and Holly.  They moved back to Ellendale from Colorado in 2000.  While in Ellendale he worked at Engine Rebuilders, Oakes; Molded Fiberglass in Aberdeen; Fargo Assembly, Trinity Bible College and Ellendale Public School, all in Ellendale. Following retirement, he drove the Dickey County VA van, taking patients to their medical appointments at the VA and various medical facilities.

Harley loved anything relating to cars and trucks.  He accumulated many over the years.  He spent retirement years meeting relatives and friends for coffee.

Harley is survived by his two daughters, Rita (Larry) Holmes and Holly (Mike) Jenkins both of Colorado. His sisters Priscilla (Don) Nies, Hutchinson, Kansas; Shirlene Wagner, Ellendale and Jacqueline Ulstad, Fargo; one sister-in-law Jeanine Wagner, Wishek, ND; and four grandchildren, Samantha Fisher, Kevin Jenkins, Christopher Jenkins and Kylie Jenkins and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Judy (10-24-2014), son, Michael James Wagner, brother, Timothy Wagner (11-27-2020) and sister, Bonita Wagner.

Carlsen Funeral Home of Ellendale has been entrusted with arrangements.  

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