Harvey Wagner

Harvey W. Wagner, longtime resident of Pocatello, died on October 31, 2012 surrounded by the ones he loved. He was born in Sterling, Illinois on February 3, 1942, the oldest child of Harvey (Hub) and Elizabeth (Sheler) Wagner. Harvey attended public schools in Rock Falls, Illinois. At Rock Falls High School he was an accomplished athlete, going All-State in wrestling and playing quarterback for the RFHS football team. Following graduation in 1960, he attended LaSalle Junior College in LaSalle, IL. In 1964 he married the former Glenda K. Sharp. After their marriage he was called to serve in the U.S. Army with the 198 th Light Infantry Brigade. He was a Viet Nam veteran who served from 1967-1968. He was wounded in 1968 during the Tet Offensive in which he received a Purple Heart. After being hospitalized for four days he returned to combat and completed his tour. Shortly after his honorable discharge from the military, Harvey moved his young family (daughter Lisa was born while he was in Viet Nam) from Illinois to Longmont, Colorado where they resided for seven years. They were blessed with two more children, a son Mark William and daughter Laura Elizabeth. While in Colorado, Harvey worked as a cement contractor. His love of the outdoors prompted the family to move to Pocatello, Idaho in 1975. As a member of the Cement Mason's Union, he worked in various western states including California, Montana, and Arizona. He retired in 2004. Harvey was a passionate sportsman, enjoying archery, fishing and hunting. His interest in guns started early and continued throughout his life. He was an excellent marksman. He studied ballistics, and was highly skilled at reloading ammunition. He was proud of his extensive firearms collection. After many years of marriage, Harvey and Glenda were divorced but remained close friends. Harvey loved his family deeply. He supported them in all their activities until the time of his death. Harvey was preceded in death by his father and his son, Mark. He is survived by his mother, Betty Wagner; daughters Lisa Wagner (Steven Caldwell) of Columbia Falls, Montana, and Laura (Dr. Gentry) Yost, Pocatello; grandchildren: Sarah Averett, Rachel and Rebecca Hall, and Chandler, Kennedy, Burkleigh, and Evan Yost; and great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Paulsen. Also surviving are four brothers: Terry (Stephanie), Pocatello; Richard (Ilene) of Rock Falls, Illinois; Dave, Inkom; Dan (Debbie) of Pocatello; and sister-in-law, Hazel Wagner. Harvey is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces and cousins, including Larry Hubbard of Rock Falls, Illinois. Harvey leaves behind a loyal companion, Ruger, his chocolate Labrador. A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 3, at 2:00 pm at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 South Fourth Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 444 West Fort Street, Boise, Idaho 83702.