Donald Wagner (Nebraska politician)

Donald Lee Wagner (May 31, 1927  October 24, 2023) was a Republican politician from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 41st district from 1979 to 1985.

Donald L. Wagner
Member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 41st district
In office
January 5, 1979  January 9, 1985
Preceded byDennis L. Rasmussen
Succeeded byCarson Rogers
Personal details
Born(1927-05-31)May 31, 1927
DiedOctober 24, 2023(2023-10-24) (aged 96)
PartyRepublican
Spouse
Gertrude E. Teel
(m. 1948)
Children15 (Ron, Chris, Barb, Larry, Marty, Chuck, Mary, Tom, Therese, Regina, Kevin, James, Patti, Vicky, Mike)
OccupationFarmer

Early life

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Wagner was born in McCook, Nebraska, in 1927.[1] He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later worked as an engineer.[1] Wagner owned and operated a 700-acre farm in Ord, and served on the Twin Loups Reclamation District Board of Directors and as the president of the Nebraska Water Resources Council.[2]

Nebraska Legislature

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In 1978, State Senator Dennis L. Rasmussen announced that he would resign from the state legislature to become a lobbyist,[3] and shortly after his inauguration, newly elected Governor Charles Thone appointed Wagner to serve out the remaining two years of Rasmussen's term.[4] Wagner was sworn in on January 5, 1979.[5] Wagner ran for a full term in 1980 and was elected unopposed.[6] He declined to seek re-election in 1984.[7]

Death

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Wagner died on October 24, 2023.[8]

References

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  1. 1 2 Nebraska Blue Book 1982-1983 (PDF). Nebraska Legislative Council. 1983. Retrieved April 11, 2026.
  2. "Wagner to replace Rasmussen". Lincoln Journal. January 5, 1979. p. 20. Retrieved April 11, 2026 via Newspapers.com.
  3. "Sen. Rasmussen Planning to Quit". Omaha World-Herald. December 13, 1978. p. 7. Retrieved April 11, 2026 via Newspapers.com.
  4. "Legislature Welcomes New Senator, Wagner". Omaha World-Herald. January 6, 1979. p. 14. Retrieved April 11, 2026 via Newspapers.com.
  5. O'Donnell, Patrick J., ed. (1979). Legislative Journal of the State of Nebraska: Eighty-Sixth Legislature, First Session (PDF). Vol. 1. p. 109. Retrieved April 11, 2026.
  6. Thompson, David (March 15, 1980). "Last-Minute Filings Assure Contests". Omaha World-Herald. p. 6. Retrieved April 11, 2026 via Newspapers.com.
  7. Klocksin, Molly (April 8, 1984). "Wagner to answer his final roll call Monday". Grand Island Independent. p. 1-B. Retrieved April 11, 2026 via Newspapers.com.
  8. "Donald Wagner, 96". Grand Island Independent. October 27, 2023. p. A6. Retrieved April 11, 2026 via Newspapers.com.