Doris Elaine Wagner, 91, Dickinson, formerly of South Heart, passed away on Sunday, October 9, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial for Doris at 9:30 am (MDT) Saturday, October 15, 2022 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, South Heart with Fr. Shannon Lucht as celebrant and Fr. Shane Campbell as concelebrant. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. (MDT) on Friday, October 14 at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary and vigil at 6 p.m. (MDT) with Fr. Shane Campbell presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Doris was the 10th child born in a family of 12 children to Matthew and Stella (Gill) Smith. She was born on July 10th, 1931, in Belfield, ND, where she was raised and attended school.
Doris married Philip Wagner on October 14th, 1947, and they moved to the family farm south of South Heart, where they made their home and raised their family. From this union, they were blessed with four children: Linda, Shirley, Glenn, and Carol. Her life became very full as she raised her children and helped with chores around the farm. Since she was raised in town, she knew little about farm life. The first challenge she faced was milking cows. Despite the initial challenge, she grew to love it, especially when the baby calves were born in the spring. Amongst the joys of farm life, driving tractor and combine became a job she thoroughly loved. During these years, she also helped her husband drive a school bus route and was an active member of the South Heart Saddle Club.
Doris and Philip owned and operated Phil’s Bar in South Heart. Doris thrived from this new adventure and took initiative to start the first area pool tournaments and introduced a new tradition of green beer. After they sold the bar, they went custom harvesting in Kansas and Nebraska.
After her husband passed in 2005, she stayed on the family farm where she enjoyed working in her flower gardens. In the fall of 2014, she moved to Edgewood Hawks Point where she continued to enjoy her own yard and flowers. All while still participating in the many activities that were offered. Doris was also an avid card player, from playing cards with family on the farm to enjoying it with fellow Edgewood residents.
Seeing all her children married and having them live nearby gave her immense joy. She loved watching all her grandchildren as they took part in their activities. Doris always said, “The greatest gift you could ever receive is knowing you have family close by.”
Doris is survived by her children, Linda (Russell) Doe, Reeder, Shirley (Darryl) Dutke, South Heart, Glenn (Dixie) Wagner, South Heart and Carol (Ron) Thurn, Bismarck. As well as 15 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and brother-in-law, Gilbert Opp, Surprise, AZ.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip, on November 21, 2005; brothers, Melvin, Marvin, Lawrence, Eldon, Donald and Lloyd Smith; sisters, Florence, Gladys, Bernice, Marvel Jean, and Ellen “Petsy”; her parents, Matthew and Stella and numerous brother and sister-in-laws.
