Gary Lee Wagner, age 80 of Buffalo, passed away on February 18, 2020.
He was born on February 15, 1940 in Turtle Lake, North Dakota to Albert and Josephine (Gardiner) Wagner. He grew up in Elgin, North Dakota and graduated with the class of 1958.
Following high school, he enlisted to serve his country in the United States Army. He proudly served and was honorably discharged in 1965 due to an injury sustained during his time in the military.
On May 8, 1965, he was united in marriage to Diane Kay Heinen in Moorhead, Minnesota. They were blessed with three children.
Gary and Diane lived throughout many parts of the state. In 1972, their family moved to Duluth where Gary managed Highway Host Restaurant. They then moved to Hazen, North Dakota where he purchased and operated his restaurant called the Tumbleweed Inn. After briefly living in Bismarck, they finally settled in Buffalo in 1981.
He was a member of the Buffalo Legion, Lions Club, and supported various charities and events for families affected by cancer. He was a four time cancer survivor himself, and was a source of inspiration to those fighting cancer.
Gary loved all youth sports. Over the years, you could catch him on the ice coaching boys hockey, in the stands cheering on the girls hockey, and even behind the plate umpiring girls softball. Much of his umpiring income went back to various youth associations for equipment, uniforms, or whatever they needed. His generous heart led to massive fundraising to build the sports complex in Hazen, ND back in the mid-70s. He most recently revived the “Beat the Goalie” contest to incentify more student participation at Buffalo High School hockey games.
His love of sports even crossed borders. As a lifelong Green Bay Packer fan, he was always quick to boast of their winning record or take a good jab at the Viking’s losing record.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Diane; great-granddaughter, Stella; parents; and brother-in-law, Roger Ready.
He is survived by his children, Ross (Vanessa) Wagner, Robb (Angel) Wagner, and Rondi (Greg) Reinert; grandchildren, Jennifer (Travis) Fuhol, Jordan Wagner, KayLyn Wagner, and Evan Wagner, Matthew Reinert, and Andrew Reinert; great-grandchildren, Baylynn, Oliver, Odin, and Theo; honorary grandchildren, Buzz and Alyssa Tryggeseth; brother, Richard (Betty); sisters, Kathy Ready and Debra (Tom) Crouse; and many other relatives and friends.
To honor Gary’s love for sports, the family asks that you wear your favorite jersey or team colors to support his everlasting, “Go! Fight! Win!” attitude.
A visitation will be held Thursday, February 27, 2020 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at St. Francis Xavier Church in Buffalo, MN.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, February 28, 2020 at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM at St. Francis Xavier Church in Buffalo, MN. Interment will follow at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to carry on his legacy of providing contributions to local youth sports and activities.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo. Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.thepetersonchapel.com
So very, very sorry. He, truly, was a very special person. Hearts are broken throughout Buffalo. Thank you for sharing your Dad with everyone. We will cherish the memories
He will surely be missed during lunch time at the Legion. Always talking about the last sporting event he was at or the one coming up later that day that he would be going to. My thoughts and prayers to the family during this heartbreaking time.
So sorry for your loss. He was a GOOD man and will be missed by many. Always a smile and positive attitude for all!
God bless all of you
Jeanie & Milo & family
Our thoughts are with Gary’s family. He was a once in a lifetime guy. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on for generations.
I just heard of Gary’s accident, I would see Gary most every day having lunch at the Legion, and at the Membership monthly meetings. Gary will be missed, by all of us at the Legion.
Gary had been a family friend for years, and used to attend my sporting events growing up. One of my favorite memories was of him telling my grandma they were going to dance a jig at my wedding. That promise was kept and all the pictures that I have of him, he has the biggest smile on his face. He was truly a great human, sports fan, and friend. He will be missed greatly by so many. Sending prayers of comfort and strength to his family during this difficult time.
I would like to share a fond memory that I have of Gary. When we were kids, my parents would camp with Gary and Diane almost every weekend in the summers. Early on Saturday or Sunday morning before us kids were up, Gary would drive into Hazen to the Tumbleweed restaurant that they operated. He would return with a couple of large pans of caramel rolls for us. He would then proceed to unload 5-gallon pails of pancake batter and giant griddles that he set up on the picnic tables. He had invited the whole campsite over for breakfast. All they had to do is bring a plate and utensils. He did this many times serving hundreds of strangers.
Missing him so much.
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing and Bonnie and I offer our condolences to the family. Gary was a very dear friend to both Bonnie and I and we will truly miss his friendship, his kindness, and his loyalty over the many years we’ve had the privilege of knowing Gary. Gary truly was a dear friend to everyone that knew him and will be dearly missed! Rest in Peace Gary. Love you
Bonnie and Lee.
I miss you so much. I still can’t believe you are gone.
I am so sorry for Gary’s family. He was a good friend of my Aunt “Sister Mary Gertrude Keefe” aka ‘Trudi’. several times he came and stayed with us in Upsala with my aunt…. great guy…he even went with us to my granddaughter’s volleyball games…. so very sad. Prayers to all, he will be missed
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing.He was like a member of our family going with us on our family vacations he felt felt like a younger brother.He always stopped by when he came through Bismarck every summer.I will miss him and his interesting stories he loved to share.
Rest well Gary……..Goodbye my friend. Hugh & Audrey Jacobson
Gary’s sudden passing due to a car accident was a shock to us bringing back many fond memories. He was the first to call Ray “Christy” a nickname that has stuck with him for life. He was unequivocally enthusiastic about whatever he chose to do as demonstrated by his many accomplishments. Gary’s legacy includes his contribution to sports whether football, baseball, hockey or any sport, his enthusiasm never wavered. He did embellish a bit about his beloved Dutchmen simply to make a good story better. Spending a significant amount of time at the Jacobson home he affectionately called Sandra “sister” a nickname adopted by her brothers. While deeply saddened to hear of his passing we find comfort in knowing he is reunited with his beautiful wife Diane. May the many memories and good times shared with your father, brother, uncle, grandpa and greatgrandpa along with your faith help you through this most difficultf time. Rest in peace our dear friend. In memory
Gary was like a big brother to Amy and I. He was my “protector “when we were in High school! He always called me “Susie” and continued so all these years. All our memories are so precious. Our deepest sympathy to you all. He will be missed! Amy Berdahl & Mike & Loretta Beck.