1927 – Robert “Bob” George Wagley – 2016
Bob Wagley was born on October 8, 1927 on the family farm in Leeds Township, Murray County, Minnesota to Leslie and Amanda Jacobson Wagley. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Slayton High School in 1945. He enlisted in the United States Army March 6, 1946 and served in Japan during the occupation. He was honorably discharged on December 15, 1947 and returned to Slayton. He married Patricia “Pat” Onken on November 17, 1949 and made their home on a farm south of town and eventually moved into Slayton. In 1958, he purchased Synder Oil Company renaming the business Slayton Oil Company. Contemplating retirement, he sold the business to Nancy and Gary Sauder that he had owned and operated for 24-plus years. Retirement did not last long. Bob continued to work a number of jobs, even venturing to the Twin Cities for a short time. Bob enjoyed his job at the Slayton Golf Course, and even continued to pump gas at Gary’s Service until the summer of 2013. In November 2016, he became a resident of the Golden Living Center-Slayton. Bob passed away peacefully with his family present at the Murray County Medical Center, Slayton, Minnesota on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at the age of 89. He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Slayton, MN. Bob served on the Slayton City Council for one term. He was also a member on the Slayton Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years and was a Post Commander of the Slayton VFW Post. Bob enjoyed spending time with his family, summer vacations, and watching sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. Bob ultimately enjoyed visiting with people and had a wonderful sense of humor.
Survivors include his wife Patricia (Pat) Wagley, Slayton, MN; seven children: John Wagley, Gaylene Suedbeck, Nancy and Gary Sauder, Kim and Roger Carlson all from Slayton, MN, Tim and Denice Wagley, Fort Bellvoir, VA, Barb and Scott Kleve, Slayton, MN and Dave and Karen Wagley, Brandon, SD. Bob is also survived by his 14 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Lowell (Bud) Wagley, Sioux Falls, SD and Roger Wagley and Vangy, Glenwood, MN; one sister-in-law Adrianna Wagley, Ellsworth, MN and one brother-in-law, Harold (Swede) Swenson, Slayton, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law Marlene Wagley; infant granddaughter Tracy Lee Sauder; grandson Chad Suedbeck; one brother Gordon Wagley; four sisters-in-law: Olive Wagley, Cathryn Swenson, Marge Meacham and husband Bob and MaDonna Rolfes and husband Francis (Bugs).
Memorial services were held at St. Ann’s Church on Monday, November 28, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Thien Nguyen officiating. The organist was Judy Andrews. The song leader was Sheila Crowley. The honorary pallbearers were his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Interment is at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN. Military honors accorded by the Slayton American Legion Post and the Slayton VFW Post. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton was entrusted with arrangements. To send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com
