Evelyn Wagner

Evelyn Kelly Wagner, 85, of Seneca, Kansas, formerly of Denver, Colorado, died Tuesday, December 26, 2000, at Country View Estates Care Home in Seneca. She had been a resident there since June of 1995.
     She was born April 21, 1915, in Johnstown, PA, the daughter of John and Anna De Leonard Kelly. She grew up there and was an outstanding student, advancing several grades at a time at the local Catholic high school, eventually achieving early graduation in 1931. She then graduated from St. Joseph College in Emmitsburg, MD at age 20, and taught school in the Johnstown area for several years.
     On June 6, 1940, she married George Edward Wagner at Johnstown. They moved to Atlanta, GA where both were employed at the Federal Penitentiary. Evelyn was the first female parole officer in the federal penitentiary system. In the 1940's George enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served 23 years. They lived in army bases all over the U.S. and Germany. When her husband retired, they were stationed at Fitzsimmons in Denver and continued living in the area. In 1965 Evelyn began work as a social worker with Denver area welfare agencies. She retired in 1976.
     Her husband, George, died November 11, 1978.
     Evelyn had a stroke in March of 1994, and entered a nursing home in Aurora, CO. In June of 1995 she moved to Seneca to be near her daughter, son-in-law and family, Mary and Gary Haug.
     She was a member of the Catholic Church at Fitzsimmons, and later a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. She was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling and an adventurous lifestyle, and sewing.
     Survivors are five sons, John P. Wagner of Sacramento, CA, Thomas E. Wagner of Juneau, AL, Michael J. Wagner of Alamosa, CO, George R. Wagner of Aurora, CO and William R. Wagner of Arvada, CO; a daughter Mary W. Haug of Seneca; a brother James V. Carl of Fountain Valley, CA; a sister, Jane Hill of Johnstown, PA; and 10 grandchildren.
    Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Elizabeth Ann Wagner on October 12, 1942, a grandson, Ryan Wagner in July of 1994, a brother Joseph Carl and a sister, Betty Bowers.
     A prayer service was held Thursday at the Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Later services will be held in Colorado with Horan & McConaty Funeral Service of Aurora in charge of Colorado arrangements. The burial will be in Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver.
     Memorials may be given for the public library of the donor's choice.