Patty Wagner, age 98, a longtime resident of Culbertson, Nebraska, passed away Friday evening, July 22, 2022 at Community Hospital in McCook, Nebraska. She was born February 16, 1924 in McCook, Nebraska to parents, Chester and Mildred Burton. She attended McCook schools, graduating from McCook High School in 1942. She attended McCook Junior College and went on to further her education at Hastings College in Hastings, Nebraska. While studying for her teacher’s certificate at Hastings College, she also took voice lessons and through the years sang at many functions and area funerals.
Patty taught fifth grade at Culbertson Public School for five years. In February of 1947, after his discharge from the United States Navy, Patty married her college sweetheart, Wilbert “Wag” Wagner and they moved to Culbertson where Wag farmed with his father. To this union two children were born. Patty and Wag celebrated 73 years together before his death in 2020.
Patty was active in the Culbertson VFW Auxiliary, joining shortly after her marriage. She held several offices and remained an active member until her death. She helped serve many Auxiliary November Smorgasbords through the years helping to provide baked goods.
Many Culbertson High School students spent hours in her basement preparing vocal solos for district music contests; she used her own vocal training from college to help them prepare.
In the 1950’s Patty, along with seven other area ladies, formed an extension group, “The Double Four”. Through the years members came and went, Patty was the last surviving original member.
Patty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Wag, and her brother, Kenneth Burton.
Patty is survived by her children, daughter, Robin Lomax of Culbertson and son, Ty Wagner and wife, Pat, of Culbertson; grandchildren: Nikki (Matt) Larson of Jefferson, Maryland; Scott Lomax of Hastings, Nebraska; Bridget Matson of Culbertson; Carrie (David) Junker of McCook; Madison (Jed) Arnold of Providence, Utah; four great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 25, 2022 from 10AM-5PM at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.
Funeral services will be held at 1PM, Tuesday afternoon, July 26, 2022 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Culbertson with Pastor Alisa Parde officiating. Burial will follow services in the Culbertson Cemetery.