Gary Wagner

1945 - 2011
On Sunday, October 2, 2011, Gary Wagner of Anderson, CA left the loving embrace of his wife and family to be with his precious Heavenly Father. Gary was born on October 4, 1945 in Santa Cruz, CA . He was second of three children to parents, Don and Bee Wagner. Gary was raised in Sonoma and graduated from Napa High School in 1962. In 1963, he married Linda, his wife and soul-mate of 48 years.
Gary was a dedicated husband, a loving father, and a spirited grandfather. He looked forward to any opportunity to be together as a family. Gary's faithfulness and love for his wife provided a priceless example of commitment and devotion. Throughout his life Gary made it a priority to be present and supportive of his children and his grandchildren in any way possible. He found true joy in their smiling faces. Through each circumstance of life Gary proved his faithful dedication to the Lord and exemplified a positive outlook. With his giving spirit Gary welcomed any opportunity to make others feel valued and special. Gary also valued and demonstrated a strong work ethic regardless of the task at hand. He greatly enjoyed spending time with family outdoors doing various activities including camping, skiing, hunting, and fishing. Gary cherished his grandchildren and enjoyed using these opportunities to teach life-lessons; they will forever cherish the memories and wisdom he shared.
After learning skills from his father, Gary spent nearly 40 years working in various roles of the meat packaging and grocery business. Gary founded Wagner Meat Company in Palo Cedro and Gary's Market in south Redding. During this time he also devoted four years ministering as a youth director at North Valley Baptist Church where he invested in the lives of young people. Most recently, Gary enjoyed his position as Northwest Division Manager for Tony's Fine Foods of West Sacramento where he successfully helped to expand distribution into Oregon and Nevada.
Gary is survived by his wife Linda and three of their four children Kristi Brown (Tom) of Redding, CA, Marilee Nies (James) of Tulsa, OK, Emilee Wertz (Eric) of Anderson, CA, and daughter-in-law, Rahna Wagner of Anderson, CA. He was pre-deceased by his son Darryl Wagner of Anderson, CA. He is also survived by his sister Carol Bueno of Napa, CA and brother Robert Wagner of North Carolina. "Poppy" had eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren that were his true pride and joy. We will all be forever grateful for the heritage he established in our family and the love he imprinted in our hearts.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 8, at Lassen Pines Christian Camp in Viola, CA (45 minutes east of Redding on HWY 44). In lieu of flowers and gifts, please make donations to Mercy Hospice, P.O. Box 406009, Redding, CA 96049-6009.