Traverse City - Robert Dale Wagner, 89, of Traverse City, passed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on May 22, 2014. Robert was born on March 17, 1925 to the late Herbert and Anna (Champion) Wagner. He was born on the family farm at Monroe Center, Michigan, the youngest of four children, he was also the 4th of the 7th generation to reside on the Wagner farm. Robert attended the Monroe Center and Kingsley Schools.

Robert married Phyllis Marie Walter on July 13, 1947 at Monroe Center Methodist Church. Being born and raised on a farm, he worked the harvests and tended to the animals and at the age of 12 he learned to drive draft horses. He never lost his love for farming always growing a bountiful garden to share with friends each Summer. On his property he planted nearly 400 trees and shrubs to feed and shelter wildlife. He was a longtime active member of Emmanuel United Methodist Church and Traverse Bay United Methodist Church.

Robert worked for the C&O Railroad, the International Harvester Company, and retired from Cone Drive Gear in 1987 after 36 years of service.

His hobbies were varied and many. Among them being , traveling, camping, wintering in Zephyrhills, Florida, hunting, fishing, woodworking and reading. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis, of 66 years; daughter, Pamela Nazar of Traverse City; sister-in-law, Tina Wagner of Grawn, and many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Robert was preceded in death by his daughter Sherry in infancy; his parents; sisters, Adeline DeLorme, Beatrice "Betty" Axtell, and brother Karl.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday May 27, 2014 at noon with a visitation held earlier from 10:00am to 12:00 at Traverse Bay United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest that a memorial donations be made to Traverse Bay United Methodist Church or The Cherryland Humane Society.

Please feel free to share your memories with Bob's family by visiting www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

Arrangements for the family have been entrusted to Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.