Gladys Wagner

Gladys Ann (Jurchen) Wagner, 90, passed away on Tuesday, April 30th, 2025, in Crookston, MN with her loving family at her side.

Gladys was born in Crookston, MN on June 17th, 1934, to William and Alicia (Hoppe) Jurchen. She grew up in the rural Crookston area. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and graduated from Crookston High School. Gladys and sisters, Laurain and Irene, formed the Jurchen Sisters trio, singing in church and community events throughout Minnesota. Gladys was united in marriage to Eugene Willard Wagner on August 21, 1955, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Crookston. Together they farmed and raised their eight children. In addition to her own children, Gladys opened her home and cared for many foster children.

Gladys was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fisher, where she faithfully served her Savior. She taught generations of children in Sunday School and was the youth choir director. She was an active member of Lutheran Women's Missionary League at the local, zone, and district level.

Gladys is survived and lovingly remembered by her children and their families: Daniel and Ellen Wagner of Sartell, MN; Barbara and Arnold Andring of Crookston, MN; Kenneth and Mary Wagner of Fisher, MN; David and Kim Wagner of Bellingham, WA; Heidi and Joe Gubanyi of Denton, NE; James Wagner of Fisher, MN; Randall and Sarah Wagner of Fisher, MN; and Peter and Lori Wagner of Fisher; 27 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; sisters, Laurain Jurchen and Esther Jurchen; brothers, Erwin (Marcie) Jurchen and Arnold (Tamra) Jurchen; sister-in-law, Harriet Wagner; brother-in-law, Terry Schneider; nieces and nephews; extended family and many friends.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene; her parents, William and Alicia Jurchen; her grandson, Joshua Thiem; and her sisters and brother-in-law, Marlys and Dean Ard and Irene Schnieder.

Gladys' family will celebrate her life with a funeral service on Wednesday May 7, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fisher beginning at 10:00 am. Interment will take place at Oakdale Cemetery at 12:30 pm following the service. Her family will receive friends at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Tuesday May 6 from 5:00pm until 7:00 pm with a prayer service beginning at 7:00pm.