Ervin "Erv" Wagner
Ervin J. Wagner, 80, of Aberdeen, SD, loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Avera Mother Joseph Manor, Aberdeen.
Ervin “Erv” Wagner was born March 22, 1943, in Artasm SD, to Theophil and Edna (Fischer) Wagner.
He married the love of his life, Mary Jane Jangula, on July 5, 1965, at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Ipswich, SD. Three children were born to this union: James, Darrold, and Tracey.
Erv was dedicated to and worked on the family farm until the family moved to Aberdeen. He then worked for a big Paulberry Ranch in Faulkton, SD, for three years. He loved horses and riding them. Erv moved to Minneapolis, MN, for a short time and worked in a pool factory making pool sticks. He moved back to Aberdeen and began working for Hub City Manufacturing Company where he was employed for 47 years. Erv started as a material handler, running a hyster, and moved his way up to running three computer machines. He also worked various part-time jobs for 11 years at the same time. Erv drove for the yellow cab company and delivered furniture for Seaks Co. and later for Hays Furniture Store. He worked hard to provide for his family until retiring on March 31, 2011.
Erv started working again part-time for the Presentation Sisters as their driver. He absolutely loved that job and worked with them for ten years until the sisters moved to a new home. Erv then started working for Ken’s Superfair Foods as a bagger and delivery driver which he also enjoyed very much.
Not one to stay idle, Erv always found something to do, even polishing his 30-foot camper each spring and fall. Erv and Mary Jane loved camping and the outdoors, taking the family along until they left home. They continued camping with friends and family. He also loved riding his motorcycle with his wife and they took many trips to Yellowstone, Canada, Duluth, MN, Iowa, and Spearfish, SD, to name a few.
Erv enjoyed fishing with his friends and family and was an avid bowler for many years. He also loved polka dancing with Mary Jane and they went to many festivals in Mitchell, SD, and Mandan, ND, and never missed a Saturday night of dancing.
Erv’s family was the most important love in his life. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. They were his pride and joy.
Grateful for sharing Erv’s life is his beloved wife, Mary Jane; sons: James (Christina) Wagner, of Sioux Falls, SD, and Darrold (Erica) Wagner of Aberdeen, SD; daughter, Tracey (David) Turner; grandchildren: Darik, Ana, and Adam; great-grandchildren: Leo, Kyiser, Liam, and Langston; sisters: Berniece Schock of Herried SD and Eileen Heupel of Moses Lake, WA; and brother, Jerry (Sandy) Wagner of Rapid City, SD.
Erv was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Elroy Wagner; and sister-in-law Wilma Wagner.