May 09, 1938 - April 20, 2021
Bernie passed away on April 20, 2021 at home with his wife Donna by his side. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. He was born in Sacramento, CA to Samuel J. Wagner and Lydia Wagner. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Donna Wagner, daughter, Sandra Mallisham (Lincoln), son, Leland D. Wagner, Grandson, Leland P. Wagner, and Granddaughter, Selena Wagner. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Gloria Erickson (Jack), Norma Scharborough (Buster), Geraldeane Sartini (Jean) and Brothers, N. John Wagner (Helen), Harvey Wagner (Beverly), and Lester Wagner (Thelma). He will be missed by his brother Jim (Gayle) Wagner and sister Kathie (William) Gavia.
At 17 Bernie started his first adventure as a Sailor in the U.S. Navy, riding the waves from Long Beach to Japan (many times) on the U.S.S. Tolovana. Bernie began writing letters to Donna on those long voyages. In 1959 he began his carpentry apprenticeship building the Rice Mills in West Sacramento. He worked many years as a Journeyman Carpenter. In 1975 he started a business partnership and opened The Door Factory, Ltd., retiring in 1995. He built and restored homes throughout the years, including his own home of 45 years.
Bernie enjoyed horseback riding with donna, friends and family. His favorite spot was Schneider's Cow Camp on HWY 88. He also enjoyed working cattle on Dick Harry's Ranch, McDermitt, NV, with his friend "Bub" Waddell. He was a member of the CA Cattleman's Association and raised his own cattle (Donna's selling the herd soon)! His most recent hobby was restoring a 1958 Chevy Apache Pick-up and a 1955 Dodge C-1 pick-up with his good friend Jose Flores.
Bernie valued hard-work and treasured his friendships. He was preceded in death by his close friends Jack Cole (Helen), Charles Pearson (Gaye), Leonard Cole (Marlene), John Bozich (Jean), and Wendell Nordquist (Joan).
SERVICE
A graveside service will be held at the Cherokee Memorial Cemetery at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA on April 28, 2021 at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers a donation in Bernie's name to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org is appreciated.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Wagner family.