Duane 'Swede' Wagner

Duane “Swede” Wagner, 79, Beach, passed away Monday, Dec. 10, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Dickinson.

Funeral services are 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, in the chapel of the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Beach with Rev. Warren Maxted officiating.

Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Beach has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Duane was born Aug. 11, 1933, in Beach, the son of Cliff and Martha (Benson) Wagner. Duane grew up on their ranch 45 miles north of Medora and attended grade school at the Anear School and completed his education in 1951 from Beach High School.

After high school, Swede pursued a truck driving career, driving for Red Hayden for many years.

On Oct. 29, 1955, Swede and Lorraine Sylvester were married in Medora. After their marriage, they moved to Beach where they were soon joined by four daughters; Debbie, Dixie, Linda and Holly.

In 1956, Swede and Lorraine purchased the local Texaco filling station, which they operated until they later sold the business. He then began a new career at the truck regulatory, which later became a part of the Highway Patrol. Swede worked there for 32 years and retired as a supervisor in 1996. Swede was a member of the North Dakota Peace Officers Association for many years.

Swede had many hobbies but he especially loved flying. He became a pilot in 1972 and received his commercial license a couple years later. He was very proud of his first airplane, a piper cub, and later he became a co-owner of another plane.

Swede was a meticulous woodworker and builder. He enjoyed traveling in their RV, boating and being the first to get his garden in. Gathering with family and friends in the sun room was something he particularly looked forward to.

Swede was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Martha Wagner, and his brother, Durward Wagner.

Swede is survived by his wife, Lorraine of Beach; four daughters, Debbie (Rick) Radke of Rock Springs, Wyo., Dixie (John) Abraham of Sentinel Butte, Linda (Gary) Anderson of Turtle Lake, and Holly (George) Hartman of Price, Utah; 17 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; four sisters, Bernie Overstreet of Jackson, Miss., Lyla (Myron) Corfman of El Centro, Calif., Marlie Bennett of El Centro and Cleo Scantlin of El Cahone, Calif., and numerous nephews and nieces.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com.

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