RUSSELL — Virgil C. Wagner, 87, of Russell, died on Jan. 3 at the Trego County Memorial Hospital Long Term Care facility in WaKeeney. He was born Dec. 3, 1923, on the family farm in rural Walker, the son of Christopher and Margaret (Robben) Wagner. He grew up and attended school in the Walker area. For a short time he attended school in Gorham until it was closed. He then had to transfer to Victoria and graduated from Victoria High School in 1943. A few years later he met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Alberta (Geist) Hammerschmidt on Nov. 12, 1947, in Ellis. For many years Virgil and Alberta worked on the family farm. He also worked in the oil industry and for the City of Russell for five years until his failing eyesight forced him to retire.

He loved sports, hunting, fishing, camping and going to the lake.

Mr. Wagner was a longtime member of the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell, a 3rd and 4th degree Knights of Columbus member and an Eagle Lodge member in Hays.

Surviving family include his niece and caregivers Firma Rome and husband Syl of Morland, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Alberta on Nov. 13, 2001; and two brothers, Ed Wagner and Bob Wagner.

Funeral Mass to celebrate Virgil’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell with Father Charles Steier officiating. Burial will be at the St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Walker. A rosary will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday morning at the church before the funeral Mass. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with the family present to greet friends from 6 to 7 p.m. A memorial has been established with the St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Walker. Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may also be sent via e-mail at www.pvpmortuary.com.