Russel Wagley

Russel Wagley, 97, a lifetime Bremen resident, passed away at 2:25 am, Thursday, September 29, 2016. Russel was born on the family farm in Bremen, the son of the late Benjamin and Grace (Stump) Wagley, and lived on the farm for all of his 97 years. He married Ruth (Huether) Wagley in November 1959 on Thanksgiving Day. She preceded him in death in 1990. Russel farmed with horses, drove a Model T, rode a Harley Davidson, and obtained his pilot’s license in 1948, buying his 1st plane in 1949. For most of his life, Russel piloted a Piper Super Cub (a 2 seat single engine plane) which he flew on cross country trips without the benefit of a radio for communication, and navigating without any instruments. He was a member of the Experimental Pilots Association and the EAA chapter of Nappanee. He farmed 160 acres for 60 years raising dairy cattle and hogs and growing wheat, corn and soy beans. Russel loved dogs and always had at least one good companion to follow him around his farm. Russel is survived by three daughters, Anna (Elmo) Gonzalez of Chicago, Naomi (Jose) Enamorado of Bremen, and Lois (Angela Clark) Wagley of Bremen. He was a loving grandfather to five granddaughters: Katie (Scott) Bennett, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Ruthie Enamorado, Gracie Enamorado, and Ivy Enamorado. Friends may call from 11:00-1:00 pm, Saturday, October 1, 2016 in Mishler Funeral Home, 2030 St. Rd. 331, Bremen. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial be sent to the Elkhart County Hospice House, 22579 Old US 20 East, Elkhart, IN 46516.