JoAnn Wagner

JoAnn C. Wagner, age 89, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026 at a Bismarck hospital surrounded by her loving family. She would have celebrated her 90th birthday later this month. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 8th at 11am at Bismarck Funeral Home with Rev Trisha DeBoer officiating. Burial will be held at the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetary at 2pm.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

JoAnn was born on May 22, 1936 in Bismarck, ND to Obert and Vivian (Swanson) Salhus in Moffit, ND. She spent her early years in Moffit before moving to Wing, ND where she helped her mother at the family cafe and quickly became known for her strong work ethic and caring nature.

On June 4, 1954 she married the love of her life, Calvin Wagner, whom she was married to just short of 60 years before his passing. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised 5 wonderful children. Her family continued to grow, and she was a proud grandmother to 13 grand children, 18 great grand children and one great great grandchild.

JoAnn worked at the grocery store in Wing and held various other jobs throughout her life. No matter where she was she brought warmth, kindness and sense of community to those around her.

She found great joy in canning and gardening with her husband - her homemade pickles were loved by all. JoAnn was also known for her cooking, especially her famous buns, her delicious homemade fudge, flesiculas and kraut strudels along with her baking that brought family together time and time again. She loved playing cards with family, drinking coffee, watching game shows and enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino.

JoAnn will be remembered for her loving heart, dedication to her family, and the traditions she created that will live on for generations. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

She is survived by her 5 children, Dale (Nancy) Wagner of Bismarck, ND; Curt (Pam) Wagner of Bismarck, ND; Cindy (Wesley) Trautmann of Robinson, ND; Roxy (Gary) Ennen of Bismarck, ND; and Darin Wagner of Washburn, ND; 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson and one sister in law, Betty Salhus and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Calvin, her parents, four sisters, Mary Lou Wood, Delores Rippley, Caroline Nelson and Gloria Salhus, three brothers, Raymond, Robert and Darrell, 2 brother in laws, Clifford and Marvin Wagner and one sister in law, Alice Wagner.