Christian Edwin 'Ed' Wagnild, 82

Christian Edwin "Ed" Wagnild, 82, passed away on Friday, Feb. 25, 2005 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

He was born on May 23, 1922, between Plentywood and Outlook, the son of Christian Edwin and Elline (Odland) Wagnild.

His mom was widowed before Ed was born and later moved her family of four boys to Coulee, N.D., and lived with their grandpa Odland.

He attended schools there and graduated from Kenmare High School in 1940. On December 18, 1942, he entered the U.S. Army, spending his service time in the Pacific Theatre. He was a member of B Troop 7th Cavalry. He spent time in Brisbane, Australia; Manila, Philippines; New Guinea and Tokyo, Japan. He was part of the honor guard for General McArthur at the signing of the Japanese surrender. He was discharged on Oct.18, 1945. On his return home, he went back for higher education under the GI Bill to the Dakota Business College in Fargo, N.D. It was here he met Lorraine Baird, who was also a student. They were married in Fargo on Jan. 17, 1948. They lived in Fargo for seven years, where Ed worked in the offices of both the Chevrolet and Ford Dealerships. During a vacation to the Flathead Valley, one look from Lookout Point on Flathead Lake convinced them to move to Kalispell and raise their family here. In the following years, two children, Bob and Sandy, were born and raised here.

He was a business owner, which included an accounting service, Oliver Implement Dealership, partnership with his brother, Cliff, in Wagnild's Farm Supply, which grew into Wagnild's Automotive Supply. During his lifetime, other interests included 40 plus years of active involvement in the Kalispell Lions Club. This included the creation and improving of Lions Park south of Kalispell as well as many other projects. He received the Melvin Jones Award from Lions Club International.

He was a longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He sang bass in choir all the years he lived in Kalispell. He sang many years with the Valleyaires Barbershop Chorus. Ed joined the Sons of Norway in 1978 and was still an active member in that organization.

After retirement, Ed joined SCORE, where he enjoyed counciling prospective business owners. Also during his retirement, he enjoyed restoring Model A- Fords. He restored a 1930 Roadster, a 1929 Tudor and a 1920 Sport Coupe. He also owned an original 1912 Studebaker. Every year he looked forward to attending and participating in the nation's second largest automobile swap meet in Portland, Ore.

Ed and his wife traveled extensively, recently accomplishing their goal of visiting all 50 states and six continents. The last state and continent were visited in the last six months. With this goal accomplished, they were planning a less hurried pace with more time for family, cars and golf.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Christian and Elline Wagnild; a grandson, Robert A. Magnan; brother, Vernon Wagnild and his wife, Esther, and a brother, Cliff Wagnild, and a niece, Kristi Wagnild.

He is survived by his wife, Lorraine Wagnild, of Kalispell; a daughter, Sandra Magnan and husband, Joe, of Kalispell; a son, Robert "Bob" Wagnild and wife, Renee, of Vancouver, Wash; four grandchildren, Ryan and Megan Wagnild and Andrea and Heather Magnan; and a brother, Oliver Wagnild, of Billings; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Ed Wagnild will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2005 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Rev. Larry Stappler officiating. isitation will be Tuesday, March 1, 2005 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Johnson Mortuary. Burial will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted by the United Veterans of the Flathead.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be made to Immanuel Lutheran Home, 185 Crestline Avenue, Kalispell, 59901, or Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 603 S. Main St., Kalispell, 59901, or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Ed's family.