Regina Wagner

Regina was born to Lauritz Nelson and Ronnaug Kalbak Nelson on September 5, 1919 on a farm in Roberts County seven miles from Sisseton, SD. Regina had two brothers, Ted and Nick and two sisters, Mabel and Carrie. She married Joe Wagner in 1939. They lived in Sisseton until the war broke out and then they moved to Seattle where Joe worked in the shipyards and Regina worked at the Seattle train depot. Just before the war ended they moved back to South Dakota and Joe bought a garage and service station and Regina ran her own business a variety store and lunch counter in New Effington SD. They also farmed for a short period of time. They lived in New Effington where they were active in Zion Lutheran Church. Joe was mayor, fire chief a member of the church council and managed the town baseball team. Regina taught Sunday school, ran her business and belonged to a homemakers group called the Union Workers. She and Joe loved to fish and hunt and she joined Joe on many hunting and fishing outings. In 1959 Joe & Regina sold both businesses in New Effington and moved to Alexandria where they had purchased Van?s Motel and Caf�. They ran that business for 17 years, working together and Regina was the head cook at the restaurant. They sold that business and retired in 1976. She has been a member of First Lutheran Church since 1959. They moved to Lake Brophy and lived there several years before moving back in town. Joe passed away in 1995. Regina belonged to Sons of Norway for approximately 40 years and enjoyed her time on Lake Brophy with her neighbor ladies the Brophy Belles. Playing cards, baking, and reading were just a few of her favorite things to do. Her friends in her Bible Study group were especially important to her. Regina was a loving mom, grandmother and great grandma. She is survived by her daughter Corliss, and son-in-law Dennis Stark of Alexandria, her grandson Durk and his wife, Karna and one great granddaughter Karolina Stark of Pepin, WI. A funeral service will be held 11 AM Friday, August 6, 2010 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Reverend Sherry Billberg and Reverend Greg Billberg will officiate. Randy Morken will provide music. Interment in Geneva Cemetery will be private. Honorary pallbearers include Curtis Wagner, Tom Wagner, Dewaine Nelson, Donald Nelson, Dan Wagner, Dale Wagner, Dennis Nelson and Ronald Nelson. . Visitation will be from 9 to 11 AM Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to the First Lutheran Building Fund or the United Way of Douglas and Pope Counties. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home.