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Curt Wagner Obituary
Visitation and service will take place at 10 a.m. Monday at the Talkeetna VFW Post, with burial at noon at the Talkeetna Cemetery. A military honor guard will attend. Family and friends will celebrate Curt's life with a community potluck at 1 p.m. at the Latitude 62 Lodge in Talkeetna.
Curt was born Aug. 18, 1922, in Anchorage to Curt and Gertrude Wagner. He grew up in Fairbanks and studied under Alaska artist Ted Lambert. He served in the U.S. Army at Guadalcanal during World War II.
Upon his return Curt studied at the American Academy of Arts in Chicago. In 1949, the lure of painting Mount McKinley brought him to Talkeetna, where he started painting Mount McKinley and pioneer lifestyles. He moved to Trapper Creek, where he homesteaded 160 acres and painted the 5x12-foot picture hanging in the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. At the age of 60, Curt took a break from painting to pursue his love of sailing; as a novice, he sailed alone in his 32-foot sailboat from Port Townsend, Wash., to Homer. He lived aboard his sailboat for 14 years. Upon returning to Talkeetna, Curt continued to paint Mount McKinley and seascapes. In 2000, he was one of the artists featured in the Alaska Geographic "Painting Alaska." His paintings hang in many private homes and at the Talkeetna Elementary School.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Margaret Arnhold and Anna Heffentrager; and brother, Robert Wagner.
He is survived by nieces Evelyn Tilley and Gertrude Hinds; and nephews, Robert Wagner and Frank Heffentrager.
His solitary life saw him in many ports of call and his sense of person brought many smiles and friendships.
Donations may be made in Curt's memory to an account set up at the Mat-Su Valley Federal Credit Union for the Talkeetna Fire and Ambulance Service.
Arrangements are by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel & Crematory in Wasilla: www.akheritage.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Curt Wagner
2 Entries
Chris Cummings
July 31, 2010
To family and friends of Curt,the Family of Jim & Chris Cummings of Trapper Creek , Ak and Paradise, Ca, send our condolences &fond and colorful memories of the many years we lived near his Homestead. Almost daily he sat at our cramped table sharing sweetened coffee & fresh bread and sweets. For the past 14 years or so I have visited Curt in his cute cabin and cheerful studio in Talkeetna, while I visit my Son (Dan Sumner) in Big Lake. Curt has been much beloved & will be sorely missed by all. Chris C & family
Chris Cummings
July 31, 2010
To family and friends of Curt, the Family of Jim & Chris Cummings of Trapper Creek , Ak and Paradise, Ca, send our condolences &fond and colorful memories of the many years we lived near his Homestead. Almost daily he sat at our cramped table sharing sweetened coffee & fresh bread and sweets. For the past 14 years or so I have visited Curt in his cute cabin and cheerful studio in Talkeetna, while I visit my Son (Dan Sumner) in Big Lake. Curt has been much beloved & will be sorely missed by all. Chris C & family
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Legacy Funeral Home, Wasilla Heritage Chapel1015 South Check Street, Wasilla, AK 99654
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