Ralph E. Wagner, 98, of Scribner died Sunday January 4, 2026 at Nye Legacy in Fremont.
Ralph Eugene Wagner was born on July 30, 1927 in rural Scribner to Harold and Dora (Bang) Wagner. He grew up in Scribner and graduated from Scribner High School in 1944 at the age of 16. He attended Midland Lutheran College in Fremont before entering the U.S Coast Guard on May 25, 1945 and was honorably discharged on May 31, 1946. He returned to Scribner and began working at the U.S. Post Office at the age of 19. He retired from the Post Office after 38 years of service in 1984. He married Janine Ellerman on May 29, 1949 at United Lutheran Church in Scribner and they were happily married for 74 years.
Ralph was a member of United Lutheran Church in Scribner since his marriage. He worked at the Post Office as a rural route carrier and also worked part-time as a bookkeeper/manager at Ebel Alfalfa in Scribner. He kept the time clock for the high school football games for many years and after retirement he also drove the bus for Scribner Public School and enjoyed taking the students to many sports and other events. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing in leagues at Indian Trails Country Club and Elkhorn Valley Golf Course and golfing with his wife Janine. They traveled every winter to San Diego and loved the many friends they made there and the great weather for golfing.
Ralph believed in community service and was committed to the city of Scribner and the surrounding area. He was on the city planning board and many committees. He was a member of the Scribner American Legion Post 121 for 80 years, the Scribner Volunteer Fire Department and the Rescue Squad for 50 years.
He was honored by Scribner/Snyder Community Schools for 50 years of service and the St. Francis Memorial Hospital Foundation in West Point for 20 years of service. He received the Nebraska World War II Recognition Medal from Governor Jim Pillen on May 11, 2025. He was recognized on September 13, 2025 at Memorial Stadium for attending 393 home football games and was a 60-year season ticket-holder.
Survived by son, Douglas (Chris) Wagner of Columbus, grandchildren – Lori (Andy) Ziemba, Jeff Wagner, Steve (Lindsy) Wagner, son Bruce Wagner of Kansas City, Missouri. Grandchildren Allison (Jamie) Raven and David Wagner and Daughter, Jacque (Dave) Carlson of Red Oak, Iowa. Grandchildren Mark (Jackie) Carlson, Pam (Luke) Riedmann, Matt (Kerrin) Carlson, Paige (Juan) Greer, 18 great-grandchildren, seven step-great-grandchildren, 12 step-great-great-grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews
Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Janine Wagner, parents Harold and Dora (Bang) Wagner, son Daryl Wagner, brother and sister-in-law Don (Pat) Wagner, daughter-in-law Betty Wagner, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Don (Joan) Berg, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Don (Donna Rae) Kruger, brothers-in-law Vern and Warren Ellerman
Memorials are suggested to the Scribner Fire and Rescue or American Legion Post 121
Visitation will be Sunday, January 11, 2026 at the Scribner Funeral Chapel with family present from 2pm to 4pm. The funeral will be 11am, Monday, January 12, 2026 at United Lutheran Church in Scribner. Burial will follow in the Scribner Cemetery with Military and Fireman Honors. Lunch will be at the Mohr auditorium.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
