John D. “Jack” Wagener, 92, formerly of Lincoln, passed away February 19, 2019 in Idaho Falls, ID. Born August 16, 1926 in Omaha, NE to Frederick and Ella (Hardin) Wagener.
When asked how he was doing? Jack Wagener’s predictable reply was, “perfect, allllllmost perfect”. That is the way he walked through his life- always in a good mood making others smile as he invaded a room with his little dog Divot.
He lived his life to the fullest. He was also an avid golfer, bird hunter, squash player, hunter, bee-keeper, water- skier, and sailor. He raced Snipe Sailboats until he was well into his eighties and helped to build the Lincoln Sailing Club. He was one of the original members of Firethorn Club. He golfed his age numerous times. After getting a hole in one, the short note in the paper said, “we would publish that Jack Wagener got a Hole In One but he’s already told everyone in Lincoln”. He was the “Pickle King” for several years winning the State Blue Ribbon for pickles in several categories.
Whether sharpening his neighbor’s knives, distributing honey from his hives, or helping someone tune their sailboat Jack was in perpetual motion. As a board member of NRD for many years he was instrumental in developing the Mo Pac Bike trail, He was also a member of the Executive Club, the Shriners, a drinking member of the Wahoo Creek Hunting Club, and eventually a 40 year sober member of AA. He never ceased in serving others.
He was married to Rosemary for 65 years. He ran the Car Park Garage and managed the Sharp Building for many years. He was a proud Veteran of WWII. His legacy is that virtually everyone he knew will have a smile and a story to tell about him. He will be missed by his two sons, Kent and Jay and his five grandchildren, Jackson, Reed, Ella, Zane, and Leidy.
Graveside Service will be held 2:00 pm Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, 6800 S. 14th Street. Please meet at gate #2.