Raymond Edward Wagner

It was the African Message Drums that announced the birth of Ray Wagner on November 17, 1930 in Old Mutare, Zimbabwe at the mission where Africa University is located. Ray's heart no longer has an earthly beat; his soul was united with God on November 24, 2013 in Fargo, ND. Ray was born the first child of Rush and Dorothy (Mason). Ray Wagner's life was a beautiful journey of living as a citizen of the world as the son of a Methodist Missionary. Ray grew up in Africa, Bolivia, Iowa, and after his father's death when he was 16, in Australia. He returned to the U.S. when he was drafted for the Korean War, where he served in the Army stationed at Trieste. His love of classical music soon led him to his greatest love, as he married the girl with the beautiful voice, Mavis Dralla, on June 17, 1956.

Ray attended Iowa State University where he earned his Master’s degree in Sociology. Ray spent 30 years working for the Iowa State and NDSU Extension Services as a 4-H Youth Specialist, 2 for the UMC General Board of Global Ministries in NYC, and 5 as Council Director for the ND UMC Conference. He received many professional honors and national awards. Ray was actively involved with the Fargo Optimist club, performed in 18 Fargo/Moorhead Opera Company productions and gave gallons of blood through United Blood Services.

He was a loving Husband, Father and Papa to his wife, children and grandchildren. Ray's passion was serving God as a volunteer through various ministries of the United Methodist Church. Ray served as a Dakotas Conference UMC Lay Leader, Vice-Chair of the UMC General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, team leader for a Sugar Beet Study trip to Kazakhstan, and Emissary to the Sister Conference in Zimbabwe. Ray also enjoyed spending time with his wife and family at the lake cabin on Buffalo Lake where he particularly enjoyed gardening, tending to the plants, and landscaping.

Ray is survived by his wife, Mavis Wagner; daughters, Miriam (Everett) Vogel, Reece (Alan) Klobe, Theta (Wade) Miller; grandchildren, Leah and Mandy Vogel, Kendra Klobe, Clare and Quinn Miller; brother, David in Australia and sister, Dorothy in Vancouver; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rush and Dorothy Wagner and his brother, George Wagner.

Memorials can be made to the UMC Dakotas Conference and will be divided between Wesley Acres Camp and Africa University.