Paul Jonathan Wagner

Paul Jonathan Wagner

Paul, a loving husband, father and papa has gone to be with his heavenly Father on Tuesday, March 27, 2012. He passed away in the arms of his wife, with his family at his side. Paul was with hospice for the past six months and passed from congestive heart failure and Alzheimer's.

"I've had a damn good life!" is the first thing you'd hear from Paul J. Wagner any time he would share stories from his 69 year journey. His belief was, "We all come here to go there."

He was born to German immigrants, David and Mary (Strecker) Wagner on Jan. 1, 1943, in Billings. He grew up on the family farm on 56th and Neibauer Road with his brothers Robert and David (Ed) Wagner. He attended school at Canyon Creek, Ellendale, Shiloh and then Senior High School in Billings. His path took him into the Navy at 17, where he earned his GED.

Paul's Navy career started in 1961, where he served in active duty on the U. S.S. Gurke, crossing the Equator twice, which gave him the honored designation of "Golden Shellback." He proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1963. He was also in the Reserves for an additional three years.

He met and married the love of his life, Cindy (Stringer) Wagner in 1974. He adopted her two children, David (Kristine) Wagner and Pamela Wagner and, along with his sons Rick Wagner (Pamela Parsons), Shane Wagner (Christine McClatchey) and Casey Wagner/Miller, they became a family. One of his greatest joys was his role of "Papa" or "Grampa" to his grandchildren Breanna Ashlyn Wagner, Alysea Kay Parsons, Ambrose W. Thorp and Tommy Highsmith.

They were a great pleasure, and he taught them through his life stories. He had a good relationship with his father-in-law, Milt Stringer, as well.

Paul had a marvelous mind and work ethic, some would say work-a-holic in nature. His post-military career included working in management for Buttrey's, Herberger's and Shipton's Big R from one end of Montana to the other.

Paul Jonathan Wagner

From 1976 until 1986, Paul and Cindy owned and operated "Wagner's OK Hardware & Instep Shoes & Sportswear" in Big Fork, Mont. After that, Paul and Cindy owned and operated Body Shop Fitness Center in Havre. Anyone who ever worked for him will tell you that he worked as hard, if not harder, right along side them. The hard work continued on the family farm, tending to the land and his animals.

In each of his ventures, Paul always found a way to give back to his community. He was actively involved in helping to develop jobs and growth, as well as helping the youth in any city or town he lived in. He was on the Board of Directors for the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Retail Trades Committee for three years. He served as the president for Hill County United Way for three of his five years with them. He volunteered, teaching business classes to the graduating seniors at Montana State University for four years, joining the JSEC (Job Service Employer Committee) as part of his duties on the Job Service Board of Directors in Havre. He served as vice president of Crime Stoppers in Havre as well. His avid interest was with Lions Club International, where he served in every office throughout his 30 years in Havre, Laurel and Big Fork, Mont. This was a man who found joy in giving. It didn't matter to Paul if they were friend, family or stranger. He was always there to help in any way possible. He would fondly recall times he would play Santa back in Big Fork, Havre and in Billings, or make food to take to community functions.

For all of his time spent working or helping people, Paul also knew to take some time for himself. He loved the outdoors! He loved the Flathead Valley, and spent his free time hunting and fishing there. He had a great appreciation of what he referred to as "God's country." Good friends gathered at the Wagner home often, to his great pleasure. Answering the phone "Joe's Bar!" was a common joke with him. He was a gracious, generous host who knew his way around a kitchen and the grill. You could never leave their home feeling hungry or thirsty! Holidays revolved around food, traditions, family and close friends. Their home was full of love and merriment. He would often tell others who visited, "There's a lot of love in this place!"

Paul was close to the Lord Jesus Christ. He grew up in the Lutheran faith, attending services every Sunday. He was on the church council at Messiah Lutheran in Havre for several years, and continued his worship in Billings at Mount Olive Lutheran Church. He enjoyed the time that Pastor Preus would spend, sharing wine and scripture, when his health kept him from joining in services at church.

Paul is survived by his wife Cindy of 36 years. He is also survived by his children Pamela, Rick, Shane and David; four grandchildren; his brother, Ed; very special friends Jim and Loyann Kimmery; and many other extended family and friends.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, April 2, at 11 a. m. at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, located at 2336 St. Johns Ave. in Billings.

The family asks, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made in his memory to Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Billings.