Robert Earl Wagers

Robert Earl Wagers passed away suddenly from complications after surgery at Saint Luke's Hospital, Sunday September 11, 2016. Robert was born on June 17, 1937 in Caldwell Idaho and was the only child of Leonard and LaVerne Wagers.  He attended the Old Midway School and graduated from Nampa High School in 1955, where he created friendships that lasted throughout his lifetime. His travel to and from school inspire his father to help shape what is today the Vallivue School district.  Life on a Dairy farm was never dull. Robert learned that chores and projects were peaceful and fulfilling and he excelled at getting them done. He recognized the opportunity for teasing; He belly laughed at slapstick humor and you did not want to be with him at a movie as he laughed and commented in his outside voice.

Robert met the love of his life, Theresa Proesch in Melba, Idaho when he went to see her best friend for a date.  They fell in love quickly and were married at Theresa's aunt's home.  One of her Uncles handcuffed them together and that bond never broke for 59 years. Robert was worried about getting his car decorated at the wedding and his love of his cars lasted his entire lifetime.  The happy couple moved into a home on the farm and was soon blessed with a daughter Charlotte (Garrison).  After three years in three of the small homes on the farm, they literally moved the big house onto the property and added their son Larry, and lived in love and harmony until Robert's passing.

Robert worked on the Dairy with his Dad, until Leonard retired in 1979 then Robert ran the Dairy himself with some hired help and help from his dad and wife.  In 1995 he sold the cows and soon started working at his Uncle's Candy business, Idaho Candy Company. John Wagers was Robert's uncle and as they were very close in age had been more of brothers then an uncle. Robert loved the social interaction of being off the farm, and being with people to visit and be a father to. After retiring from the Candy business he returned to his farm and found projects and contentment in the land.

If you wanted to see the Wagers you needed to get on the calendar; that calendar that still hangs on the wall.  For 25 years Robert was a member of the Nampa Elks. Lodge. They danced on the weekends to bands in the upstairs and downstairs ballrooms. They had many many lifelong friends, Robert had met some in the first grade in school and others when he went to high school in Nampa in the 9th grade and they loved playing cards every month for 59 years and saw them socially as much as they could.  Robert especially liked beating his friend David Ahrens in cards. He would recount in great detail just how much David hated losing.  Robert said last weekend he beat David so he got the last laugh on one of his best friends. He delighted in also sharing lunch with Richard Suttle.  They had several favorite places’ they would go to each week to tell stories.  For many years they ordered the same thing.  Robert loved the BLT sandwich. At this one restaurant the price changed each time they went.  They always ordered the same meal and Richard always seemed to pay the higher price on his week to buy.  Robert found that to be very funny and always reminded Richard that he paid less the week before.  Before they got in the door the people started to make their sandwich and it would be ready when they hit the line.

Robert and Theresa loved taking drives here in Idaho.  Many a Sunday they just hopped into the car and drove around and saw the countryside.  Their favorite trip out of the area was to Hawaii for their 25th anniversary.  They always said they would make it back one day and they did just after their 50th wedding anniversary.   Robert loved going on drives and many vacations were spent in the car traveling, often times going to see their children and grandchildren. Robert loved his wife, family and friends and was happiest doing chores and projects on the farm.  He always had one more thing that he could do. Robert loved unconditionally and he was unfiltered and that made him endearing and he will be missed intensely by everyone that crossed his path. 

Robert was preceded in death by his dad, Leonard Wagers, and mom LaVerne Wagers and several aunts and uncles and relatives that he loved. 

Robert is survived by his wife Theresa; their Daughter Charlotte her husband Don Garrison and children Patrick and Tyler; His son Larry and his wife Leigh, their son Rob and great grandson Devin. He is survived by 2 aunts Roberta Whitteman, Nampa and Mary Wagers, Boise; and friends they also adopted in their heart many that they would call their kids.  

A celebration memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, September 16, 2016 at the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel, 415 12th Ave. So., Nampa. A dinner will follow at the Wagers home after the service. An online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com

Memorial Contributions can be made to the Knights of Columbus (Medical Supplies) Nampa.

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