Elsie G. Wagner
Elsie G. Wagner, age 97, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.
Elsie Gertrude (Huber) Wagner was born on November 9, 1927, to John and Lydia (Kirchhevel) Huber – the fourth of seven children. Elsie grew up on the family farm in rural Armour. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church and attended Dewey School.
On January 25, 1947, Elsie married Ralph Wagner in Canton. They made their home in Sioux Falls and were blessed with three sons: James, John and Roger.
Elsie wore many hats over her lifetime - always giving, helping and caring for others. In addition to being a mom, grandma, great grandma and babysitter, she was as a waitress at Suburban Lanes, Driftwood Café and the VA Hospital, a salesperson at Geyerman’s for several years and a salesperson at Interlude Bridal Shop before her retirement.
Elsie may have retired from the waitressing and sales, but she continued to spread her love and didn’t keep idle. She helped take care of grandkids, great grandkids, great nieces and great nephews and loved attending school, music, scouting, sporting events and family gatherings. She filled her time with crocheting, embroidering and taking pictures which she often gave as gifts; and she sent many birthday and holiday cards to family through the country, making everyone feel extra special. You could find her gardening, making birthday cakes, putting puzzles together and working on word search books all the time. She enjoyed sewing and delivering Santa boots that were given to babies born around Christmas at Sioux Valley/Sanford Hospital where she volunteered for 20 years.
Elsie is survived by her sons: James Wagner, Sioux Falls; John (Genevieve) Wagner, State Center, IA; and Roger (Linda) Wagner, Sioux Falls; four grandchildren: Michael (Dasha) Wagner; Christina (Lee) Smith; Abby (Michael) Doss and Marcella (Jon) Seaman; and nine great grandchildren; special friend Eunice Burggraff, her dear nieces and nephews and numerous extended family.
Elsie is preceded in death by husband Ralph; her parents; a grandson, Robert Alan Wagner; her four brothers and two sisters.