Irene L Wagner

Irene Lillian (Lander) Wagner, 97, of Pender, NE, passed away Sunday, April 30, 2017 at Legacy Garden Rehabilitation and Living Center in Pender. Funeral services will be Friday, May 5, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Church of Pender in Pender; Pastor Steven Breazier will be officiating. The visitation will be Thursday, May 4, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 7:00 p.m. at the United Church of Pender. The burial will be in the Rosehill Cemetery in Pender. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender. Irene was born January 12, 1920 to Emil and Ella (Johnson) Lander in rural Pender. She attended District 31 School through 8th grade and graduated as the Salutatorian from Pender High School in 1938. On March 27, 1940, Irene married Justin “Babe” Wagner in Fremont, NE and the couple had three daughters; Janet, Dianne, and Lori. They farmed and Irene worked at the Economy Market, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and Thurston County Judge’s Office for 26 years. In 1976, Babe and Irene retired and moved to Thurston, where she lived for 26 years. They enjoyed vacations to Minnesota and Colorado. Babe passed away in 1982 and Irene moved to Pender in 2002, where she enjoyed her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Irene was an avid crafter. She created many beautiful memories for her children and grandchildren with her artistic talents. She was a wonderful cook and made delicious meals for her family and friends. Irene is survived by her daughters, Janet (Gerald) Vogt of Pender, NE, Dianne (Dennis) Habrock of Emerson, NE and Lori (Larry) Fangmeier of Hebron, NE; grandchildren, Kim Roeber, Brad, and Steve Vogt, Jana, Marty, Monty and Bary Habrock, Tyler and Trever Fangmeier; 18 great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren; and many nieces nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Ella; husband Justin “Babe”; and sisters, Esther Malmberg and Mayme Wagner.