Bruce E. Wagner, age 96, a life-long resident of Columbia County and the Town of Bloomsburg for over 61 years, died on Monday afternoon, April 15, 2013 under the compassionate care of Columbia Montour Home Hospice at Maria Hall, Danville.
Bruce was born on Tuesday, October 31, 1916 in Nescopeck, a son of the late William H. and Emma C. (Fetterman) Wagner. Bruce completed his education after graduating with the 1934 Class of the Catawissa High School. He celebrated his graduation as the Salutatorian of his class. On April 22, 1939, Bruce married his wife, the former, Mary T. Casey.
On April 4, 1944, Bruce enlisted with the United States Army where he served his country faithfully during World War II. He served as a Corporal with the 20th Armored Division in the 65th Armored Infantry Battalion. During his time of service in Central Europe, he received the honors of the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. On May 22, 1946 in Fort Dix, New Jersey, Bruce was honorably discharged from his time of dedicated service to his country.
After returning home from the war, Bruce was employed as a chemical engineer for over 26 years by Merck & Company in Riverside until his retirement in 1980.
In January of 1944, Bruce joined the Loyal Order of the Moose, Bloomsburg Lodge #623, and served in the position of Prelate for three terms from 1977 to 1980. He was elected as Governor of the Lodge, and served during 1980 to 1981. He served as Junior Past governor from 1981 to 1982. During his term, he served as the Entertainment Committee Chairman, and also the Civic Affairs Chairman for five years. He also helped institute the Red Cross Bloodmobile into the Bloomsburg Lodge during his term as Governor. In 1984, serving as the Civic Affairs Chairman, Bruce helped coordinate the Bicycle Safety Program with the Bloomsburg Police, the Window Sticher Program with the Bloomsburg Fire Co., the Kiddies Christmas parties, and the Christmas food program with the Moose Lodge and the former I.G.A. in Bloomsburg. He served in every position available with the Moose Lodge and was awarded Moose of the Year in 2001.
Bruce was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomsburg since 1954 where he served as an usher, greeter and Sunday school teacher. He was also member of the church group Coffee Breakers and delivered Meals on Wheels with his wife for many years. He was a member of the Bloomsburg American Legion Post #273, the Bloomsburg VFW Ft. McClure Post #804, a life-member of the former Friendship Fire Company in Bloomsburg, the Bloomsburg Special Police Force for 25 years, a Civil Patrol Office in 1951, and a Charter Member of the Bloomsburg Ambulance Association. Bruce was proud about the opportunity to start the first Cub Scout Chapter at the Wesley United Methodist Church, and also coached the Senior Division of the Bloomsburg Little League for three years.
On Sunday, January 5, 1992, Bruce was preceded by his beloved wife of 53 years, the late Mary T. (Casey) Wagner; two sisters and six brothers.
Survivors include a daughter: Teresa Carestia and husband, John, of Schuylkill Haven; two sons: Thomas B. Wagner of Berwick; and Timothy Wagner and wife, Carol, of Bloomsburg; seven grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; and a sister: Suzanne Maczka and husband, Francis, of Lightstreet.
A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday evening, April 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. from the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg. A Fraternal necrology service will be held by the Loyal Order of the Moose beginning at 7 p.m. in the Allen Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 19 at 11 a.m. from the Wesley United Methodist Church, 130 W. 3rd Street, Bloomsburg, with Rev. Dr. Gary D. Weaver, officiating. Graveside service will immediately follow, and Bruce will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Mary, in Lime Ridge. Memorial contributions in Bruce's name are suggested to: Moose Heart Child & City School, 155 S. International Dr., Mooseheart, IL 60539; Columbia Montour Home Hospice at Maria Hall, 410 Glenn Ave., Suite 200, Bloomsburg or a charity of the donor's choice.