On Dec. 12, 1942, in Portland, Ore., Frank John Wagner was born to Lawrence John Wagner and Dorothy May nee Johnson Wagner. He joined his sister Sharon Lovery Wagner at the family home.
Frank grew up in College Place, Wash., where he went to grade school and junior high. The family moved to the city of Cheney when Frank was a sophomore in high school. When Frank moved to Cheney he worked on a dairy farm and went to school at the same time. He graduated in 1961 and joined the Army shortly afterwards.
Frank was stationed in Germany during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He came to Ft. Devin in Massachusetts to be part of the ASA. While in Massachusetts he met Jeannette Mongo. They married in 1965. Frank’s first tour in Vietnam was from 1966-1967. Eric, his son, was born while Frank was gone. Frank’s second tour of Vietnam was in 1970. During his tours in Vietnam he was awarded several medals and awards including the Bronze Star. After his last tour in Vietnam he went to Ethiopia for three years where Brenda, his second, was born. Jodi, their third and last, came along after they were settled in Brockton, Mass. Frank worked as a machinist at various shops during his career. His last and favorite was Texas Insurances.
Frank went to work for his brother-in-law in California until 1985, when they decided to move north to Cheney to open a research and development shop. During this time he renewed his acquaintance with the girl across the street from his high school home. They married on July 26, 1986, and moved to Billings the next day. He worked as a machinist; during his time here he also had a brief stint of employment at the Post Office.
Frank dealt with heart problems starting in 1990, but stayed active. He loved motorcycles and began flying ultralight airplanes.
He is survived by Janette Sherman, first wife; sister, Sharon. One son, Eric (Amy, wife, grandchildren, Matthew and Megan); two daughters, Brenda (John, husband, grandchildren Kevin, Samir, Lance, Avery) and Jodi (Michael, husband, grandchildren, Alex, Emily and Logan). Carol, his second and last wife and her children, Christine (grandchildren, Joshua and Tegan) and Jason. Numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, Oct. 30. Memorials may be made to Rocky Mountain Hospice, American Heart Association or the charity of your choice.
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