Roger Wagner, 80

Roger Wagner of Nashua passed on Jan. 31 from congestive heart failure. A farmer and a family man, he loved celebrations and was dedicated to making his community a better place.

Roger spent most of his life on the family farm northeast of Nashua. The Wagner Brothers Ranch raised registered Herefords and co-owned a bull that won Grand Champion at the 1974 Western Stock Show in Denver. In 2016, the Wagner family celebrated their farm’s 100th year anniversary – a testament to the persistence (perhaps stubbornness,) willingness to work hard, and resilience that characterized Roger and many others in the Wagner family.

Roger was educated at St. John’s in Minnesota, where he graduated with a BA in Economics in 1964. He married Laura Tremper in 1973 in Missoula during a severe snowstorm that prevented the rest of the Wagners from attending. The couple had a strong marriage, welcoming four children (Jeannette Waldron, Rachel Mark, Barbara Wagner, and Ben Wagner).

Roger was incredibly proud of his family, and always did what was needed to ensure their needs were met even in hard times. In addition to his own children, Roger and Laura also welcomed 15 foreign exchange students into their home over the years.

Although Roger had a gruff exterior, he had a heart of gold. He was always the first to write a check to a local nonprofit, buy or sell raffle tickets to support community causes, and find a quiet way to help neighbors in need. His dedication to community service also led him to seek several community leadership positions. One of the honors of his life was to be elected as a delegate to the Montana Constitutional Convention in 1972.

In his retirement years, Roger enjoyed traveling with his wife and family, watching sports events at Nashua School, cheering for the Boston Red Sox, and meeting friends around Nashua for coffee and playing cards. Roger’s service will be at St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Glasgow on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 10 a.m., with burial and luncheon following in Nashua.

Condolences may be left at bellmortuarymt.com/. If so desired, please send memorials to The Friends of the Montana Constitution, P.O. Box 436, Billings, MT 59103 or a charity of your choice.