Bruce L. Wagner

Bruce Lynn Wagner entered into eternal rest on August 11, 2024, after a battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 24, from noon to 3 p.m. at American Legion Post 129, located at 1541 Silver Street, Ashland, NE 68003.

Bruce was born August 12, 1952 to Leland and Sally Wagner of Ashland, Nebraska. He graduated from Ashland-Greenwood High School in 1970, and worked as an HVAC and plumbing specialist at the Ashland National Guard camp for over 30 years. On June 9, 1972, Bruce married the love of his life, Jolene Crabtree. The two went on to have two beautiful children and five grandchildren.

Early in their marriage, Bruce and Jolene enjoyed singing together and volunteering with their children’s Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops. They took up golf in the 90s and enjoyed competing in dart leagues and pitch leagues together. In recent years, they visited the Wildlife Safari Park nearly every day.

Bruce was musically gifted and had a beautiful voice. He played guitar and was in a local country band named “Off The Wall” for six years. His band performed regionally at wedding receptions, parties, and other events. He was also athletic. He enjoyed baseball as a young boy and softball as an adult. He was a blue rock shooter at the Ashland Gun Club. Bruce was a jack-of-all-trades, but he especially enjoyed working with wood—crafting shelves, frames, and other miscellaneous items. He could fix anything and was always willing to lend a hand to help others with home and vehicle repairs. He liked playing pool—especially with a broom stick. Bruce had a hidden talent for poetry, and would often write poems for his wife and kids.

In recent years, Bruce loved watching westerns, going for long drives, and visiting local bars where he made many new friends. Bruce loved people and cherished the many friendships he created throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years Jolene Wagner; sister Leann Starlin (Greg) of Colorado and sister-in-law Roxanna Crabtree of Ashland; son Zachary Wagner (Allyson) of Omaha, daughter Nicole Meyer (Matt) of Ashland; grandchildren Owen and Sarah Bundy, and Elizabeth, Kendra, and Max Wagner; nephews Ronald Crabtree (Sarah) and Samuel Starlin; great niece Alannah Crabtree; cousins and dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Leland and Sally Wagner; parents-in-law Paul and Norma Crabtree; and brothers-in-law Ronald P. Crabtree and Kenneth L. Crabtree.

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