Gene W. Wagar, 89, Halstad, MN, died Thursday, June 30, 2016, with his family by his side, at the Halstad Living Center in Halstad.

Gene Willis Wagar was born May 31, 1927, in Gilby, ND, the son of William and Annie (Swen) Wagar. He grew up in Gilby and graduated from Gilby High School. Gene enlisted in the United States Navy and served a short time prior to the end of World War II. After his discharge he returned home and started working for Scott Family Farms near Gilby.

Gene was united in marriage to Barbara Kauk on November 23, 1950, in East Grand Forks, MN. Gene later started in the grain elevator industry in 1952, managing elevators in Arvilla, Amenia, and Hannaford, before settling in Halstad in 1963. He was involved in all aspects of the industry, including grain buying and management. Throughout his career, he was well-known and respected by farmers in the region. After his retirement in 1990, he continued working as a consultant for elevators in Joliet, ND, and Newfolden, MN for two years. Following his time as a consultant, he spent approximately 15 more years working for several area farmers.

Over the years, Gene was very active in the Halstad community. He served in several capacities for the Halstad Lutheran Church, Halstad Legion Recreation Center, and Boy Scouts of America. He was also active in the Halstad business community and served on the Board of Directors for the Red River State Bank and Halstad Living Center. In 2013, Gene became a resident of the Halstad Living Center, where he appreciated the friendship and care from the staff, and always looked forward to visits from family and friends.

Gene is survived by his wife, Barb, his sons, John (Mary Jo) Wagar, Fargo, ND, Robert (Anna) Wagar, Lafayette, LA, Richard (Kristy) Wagar, Fargo, ND, his daughters, Judy Wagar, Placentia, CA, and Jodi (Trent) Lorenson, West Fargo, ND, 14 grandchildren, Christopher, Andrew, Rachel, Jacob, Joshua, Michael, Matthew, Becky, Liz Wagar, Allie Kaeding (Stuart Grime), Cassie and Anna Baumgartner, Ashlyn Lorenson, and Benjamin Wagar-Moore, one great grandson, Max Wagar, sisters-in-law, Janet Wagar, Dacula, GA, and Fern Wagar, Waseca, MN, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son, his son Gene Jr, a grandson, Erich Wagar, his brothers, Roy, Lyle (and wife Eunice) and Jacob, his sisters, Isabel (and husband John) Carey, and Edna (and husband Bill) Hewitt.

Funeral: 11:00AM Wednesday, July 6, 2016, at Halstad Lutheran Church, Halstad, MN.

Visitation: 5-7PM with a 7PM prayer service on Tuesday July 5, 2016, at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Halstad, MN.

Burial: Halstad South Cemetery, Halstad, MN.