MICHAEL C WAGNER

Michael Charles Wagner, 82, early on the morning of August 31st, our cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby, Montana.

Michael was born in Chinook, Montana on January 31, 1939 to Charles and Genevieve (Doubek) Wagner.  His early years were spent on the “Big Flat” where the family farmed and Charlie owned “Big Flat Motors”. In 1948 the family, which now included his little brother John, moved to Eureka and a few months later to Libby.  He graduated from Libby Public Schools GED program and went to work for J. Neils Lumber Company. “Two Shadows” as he was nicknamed by his co-workers started out working on the green chain and worked his way up to become a mill wright when the mill closed in 1993. With thirty-six years of maintenance experience there wasn’t much Mike couldn’t fix and being one who always wanted to be busy, he got his residential electrician’s license and kept working for several more years. In his “spare” time, he helped Debbie and Mike build their homes, helped his brother build a cabin, and “Papa” was always there to help his grandkids in every way that he could.

On March 7, 1964, Michael married Sandra Fox at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell, Montana. For 57 years, life at the Wagner house has been one full of love, laughter, adventure and a well-stocked “candy” drawer.  Woodworking was one of Michael’s hobbies and he shared many of his beautiful pieces with family and friends. His other passion was word puzzles and sudoku.  From over the years there are wonderful memories of trips to Thompson Lake, hunting with his son and grandsons, and riding his four-wheeler especially with his “favorite” daughter-in-law Linda. There were trips to Hogeland to visit Grandma Jenny and Papa Clayt’s farm. There were some “teaching” moments as he taught Debbie and Mike how to drive. These lessons coming from their dad who loved speed and was known for his heavy foot!  Mike was so proud and thankful that he had Chris, the pharmacist, and Brian, the nurse, to council and take care of Grandma and Grandpa in their senior years. The apple of grandpa’s eye was his “little Peanut”-his only granddaughter Kimberly who loves math as much he did.   Being the youngest grandchild has its privileges; Papa would pick Tyler up from kindergarten each day and bring him to the house to play bouncy ball and of course help papa “fix” things. A man large in stature, Mike was like a big teddy bear with a huge heart when it came to his children and grandchildren. They were his world.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and his baby daughter, Debra Jean.  He is survived by his wife, Sandra; his son Michael (Linda); his daughter Debra Tangen (Wes); his brother John Wagner (Sandy); his grandchildren Christopher (Christina); Brian (Annamarie); Kimberly Tangen; Tyler Tangen; nieces and nephews; and many cousins and friends.

Michael, your earthly work is done. You will be in our hearts forever and the memories you shared with us will always burn brightly. You prepared us well for the journey ahead. Until we meet again, rest in peace.

At Michael’s request there will be a private family gathering at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to Kootenai Pets for Life.  Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Cabinet Peaks Medical Center for the excellent care and support they provided Michael in the past several months.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.