Harry died peacefully on May 16, 2015 at his home in Linden surrounded by family. He is preceded in death by his daughter Judith Wagner Bush, his mother, Christina, and his father Jacob, his five brothers, and four sisters. Harry lived a life that was rich in family, friends, and community.Born on February 16, 1921 in North Dakota, Harry moved to California as a young man. He served his country during World War II, in the U.S. Navy. He and his wife along with their two children, Judy and Jim moved from Lodi to Linden in 1950 to begin a life of farming. He had many successes in this area growing a variety of both row crops and orchard crops and was named to the San Joaquin County Ag Hall of Fame in 1998. He served on the San Joaquin Cherry Growers and Industry as President and was “Cherryman of the Year” in 1981. He was longtime member of the San Joaquin County Farm Bureau, the San Joaquin Farm and Production Association, and was a fifteen year board member for Federal Land Bank (now Ag Credit). In the early 1980’s he began a commercial apple packing business and many people over the years were able to enjoy the “Wagner’s Delight” label.
Beyond the love of land and farming, Harry’s biggest contributions lie in his dedication to community organizations and service. He was a longtime member of the Linden Lions Club, holding numerous positions including director over the years. He was honored for his service to the organization in 1979 receiving the Linden Lions Citizen’s Achievement Award and again for the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. He also took great pride in his 51 year membership in the Valley Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons #135, serving as a Past Master (several times). In 1992, he received the organization’s highest honor, the Hiram Award, for his dedication and service. He was also named Mason of the Year in 1998 by the Scottish Rite Bodies of Stockton. He was very involved in the Linden–Peters Chamber of Commerce serving as its president. His biggest accomplishment during his presidency was the placement of the two signs coming into town listing the names of the many organizations active in the Linden community. He also helped to organize and grow the Linden Cherry Festival and Parade, its Cherry Queen contest, as well as being Santa Claus for the tree lighting for over 10 years. Harry was very involved with the Order of the Eastern Star and worked with the youth organization Linden Rainbow for Girls. He served as a Worthy Patron of Eastern Star and was the State Rainbow Dad for the International Order of Rainbow for Girls in 1994. All of these organizations allowed Harry to be a part of many fundraisers and community service projects that served the people of Linden directly including the Ambulance for Linden project for which he even offered to pay for the gas for the first year of service.
Through these many activities and participation it was evident just how much Harry cared for his family, friends, and his neighbors in the Linden Community.
He was highly respected by those who knew him for his integrity, honesty, loyalty, and a genuine concern for the welfare of others. His family and friends have truly benefitted and have been so fortunate to have had such an amazing model of humanity at its best.
Harry is survived by his wife of almost 72 years Alma, his son Jim and daughter-in-law Frances, his granddaughters, Dayna (Jason) Wagner-Loeliger and Jamie (Rick) Francis, his great Grandchildren Ethan and Paige, his caregiver Jimmy Perez, and many nephews and nieces.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Linden Methodist Church, P.O. Box 693 Linden,CA 95236 or your favorite charity.
Please add your condolences in the comments below.
VISITATION
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 22, 2015 from 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. at Linden United Methodist Church, 19147 CA-26, Linden, CA 95236.
SERVICES
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 22, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Linden United Methodist Church, 19147 CA-26, Linden, CA 95236, immediately following the visitation.
INTERMENT
Interment will be private.