Victor Wagner

Victor Wagner, 89 of Circle died Saturday, July 12, 2025, at his home on the farm, where he was born, raised and lived all his life.

He was a kind and gentle man who was known as a son, brother, devoted husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, cousin, neighbor and friend.

He was born in the family home on Sept. 25, 1935, to Gottlieb and Lydia Wagner. He attended country schools through eighth grade, which was somewhat common back then. He farmed and raised livestock his entire life.

He met his future wife, Jean, and they were married on June 14, 1958, in Circle. They had five children: Nora, Bruce, Lois, Brian and Amy. He missed Jean terribly during the 15 years since her death and looked forward to joining her in Heaven.

Throughout the years, he raised cattle, pigs and chickens, but his most enjoyment was farming. Years ago in his teen years, when breaking sod in the fall, when it was cold, her was on a tractor with no cab. Since the front tires of the tractor would follow the furrows, he would jump off the tractor and walk and jog alongside the tractor to stay warm.

He enjoyed gardening, especially tomatoes which he liked fresh off the plant. He did woodworking, including making doll furniture such as small tables and chairs. He made child-sized chairs for each grandchild. He also made a dollhouse for Jean because she enjoyed miniature furniture and playing with the grandchildren. He made wood cutting boards, which Jean finished by painting flowers on each board.

Jean’s health did limit their traveling; however, they were able to drive down the West Coast, visited Tennessee, Missouri, Texas and New York. They also enjoyed an Alaskan cruise. He went on a church mission trip to Bolivia in January 2005 to help a community build a church.

At 60 years old, he took flying lessons from a neighbor, and, when he learned to take off and land, he decided he was satisfied and did not pursue flying any further.

He read a lot about conservation and new farming practices. He was awarded Conservationist of the Year in McCone County one year. He helped more than one young farmer get started in farming, in addition to his own two sons.

He was a member of the Evangelical Church, Farm Bureau, McCone County 100 Club and a board member of the McCone County Nursing Home and several other boards. He became an avid reader in his later years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Wagner; son, Brian; daughter, Lois; and granddaughter, Judy.

He is survived by his sister, Violet; children. Nora Muller and Bruce Wagner; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 26, at 11 a.m. at the Circle Evangelical Church. Interment will be in the Riverview Cemetery in Circle.