Dale Wagner, 101, of Brookings, South Dakota, passed away at the United Living Community in Brookings on Sunday, March 31, 2024.
A celebration of Dale's life will be held on Friday, April 5, at the First United Methodist Church in Brookings at 10 a.m. Burial will immediately follow the service at Greenwood Cemetery in Brookings. A time of fellowship and a meal will be held at the church following burial. Visitation will be the evening prior, Thursday, April 4 from 5 until 7 p.m. at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings.
George Dale Wagner was born March 15, 1923, to Morris and Eva (Anderson) Wagner near Akron, Colorado. After Eva’s death in 1931 his family moved to Brookings County, South Dakota in 1934. He attended Brookings County School No. 81 and graduated from Brookings High School in 1941.
Dale entered the U.S. Navy Feb. 17, 1943. He served on the USS Haggard DD-555 in the South Pacific during WWII from the shakedown cruise out of Bremerton, WA Aug. 31, 1943, until Nov. 1,1945, when the ship was docked in Norfolk, VA, after being severely damaged. His service ended on March 17, 1946, after serving on the USS General C. C. Ballou (AP-157) troop ship.
He married Hazel Lorraine (Dahl) on April 14, 1946. They farmed in Brookings county until 1979. He then worked at the SDSU Ag department until 1988. Hazel died on May 16,1989. He Married Viola Langmeyer Nelson on Feb. 14, 1990, in Palco, KS. Viola preceded him in death on Jan. 24, 2020.
Dale is survived by his children, Barbara Holzkamp (Doug), George, Al (Cindee Mickelson) and Maggie; grandchildren Sher Holzkamp Winter (Garry), Jennifer Holzkamp Uselman (Tyler), Mikal Wagner, Danae Haviland Yanchunis II (Johnny) and Shea Haviland; great-grandchildren Zachery Winter, Mackenzie Winter, TJ Uselman, Addison Uselman and Rhett Uselman; his sister Juanita Moulton; and many nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by step-children, Jerry Nelson, Theresa Van Briesen, Jo Peterson, Toni Hill, Linda Swartos, Anna Nelson, Alonzo Nelson and Lana Sue (Marc) Molskness. 36 step-grandchildren and 71 step-great-grandchildren, 37 step great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother, infant son, two brothers, three sisters, two step-brothers and two step-sisters
Although floral arrangements are appreciated, it is preferred that memorials be directed to the Wagner family for donation to a cause of their choosing.
