David Gordon Wagner

David Gordon Wagner, age 81, of Pillager, stepped on to Heaven’s shore on Monday, April 5, 2021 at a Daughter’s Love in Staples, Minnesota. David was born on July 1, 1939 in Brainerd, to Kenneth & Genevieve (Prentice) Wagner. David graduated from Brainerd from Brainerd High School in 1959. He attended Pillsbury Bible College, where he met Delphine, they were married on July 10, 1959. They lived and worked in Minneapolis until 1960 when they moved to Brainerd, and David started work at Lakeland Color Press, where his dad was part owner. David and Delphine also owned and operated the former Bethany Book Store. David loved the Lord and enjoyed serving Him. He was a Sunday school teacher, a bus driver for the Sunday school students, served on the Deacon Board, Awana Leader, and principal at Lake Region Christian School (which is part of First Baptist Church). David also volunteered at MN Adult and Teen Challenge. He also served on the school board and was a member of the Civil Air Patrol. He took up flying lessons and enjoyed flying for them. Many winters were spent as winter Texans at Bibleville in Alamo, TX, there he used his musical talents to serve his Lord. In 1994 they moved to South Haven, MN, where David worked for Merrill Corporation in St. Cloud. There he joined the Annandale Community Band. After five years they returned to the lakes area, settling in Pillager. Once he retired from printing, he built decks and became a handyman. They owned and operated the Shady Hallow Resort. He loved being outdoors and being with their guests. He enjoyed the resort fish fires but did not like cleaning the fish! His comment was, “I would rather watch paint dry”. David loved his family dearly, enjoyed playing the piano, organ, saxophone and some stringed instruments. He also never turned down a game of ping pong! David and Delphine also enjoyed camping and were members of the MN Christian Campers. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 61 years, Delphine; children: David (Carmen) Wagner, Doug (Joan) Wagner and Deanna Wagner; siblings: Roger (Mary Ann) Wagner, Dennis (Sydney) Wagner, Carol Williams, and Ruth (Mark) Krautkremer; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren. Dave is preceded in death by his parents, and a granddaughter, Tatum. A memorial service for Dave will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 11AM at First Baptist Church in Baxter. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Caring for Dave & the Wagner Family: Halvorson Taylor Funeral Home www.halvorsontaylor.com