Burnell "Bernie" Norman Wagner, 78, of Crook, passed away Nov. 8, 2009, in Sterling from complications due to cancer. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at United Church of Crook, with the Rev. David Tyree officiating. Interment will be at Christian Cemetery in Crook, with military graveside rites.

Bernie was born Sept. 24, 1931, to Norman Adam and Catherine Elizabeth (Reachard) Wagner in Jackson Township, Pa. He graduated in 1949 from Codorus Township High School in Glenville, Pa.

In 1951, he joined the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He served at Elgin AFB at Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, and Etain AFB at Verdun, France, and was discharged in 1965 from Lowry AFB.

On April 2, 1955, he married Lois June Ries in St. Louis, Mo.

He lived in Aurora until 1969. He moved to Sterling and operated the Hilltop Concession at the North Sterling Reservoir until 1978. They moved to Nifty Nook, south of Rollinsville, then moved to Crook in 1987.

Bernie was a member of Dubs Lutheran Church in Hanover, Pa.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, woodworking and spending time with his family.
Bernie is survived by his wife, Lois J. Wagner of Crook; daughters, Chere F. Jurgens and husband Dwight C. of Hutchinson, Kan., Diana M. Van Voorst and husband WIlliam J. of Georgetown; brothers, Ray A. Wagner of Spring Grove, Pa., Marvin J. Wagner of Glenville, Pa., and Harry J. Wagner of Spring Grove, Pa.; eight grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Linda J. Wagner Moore in 1997.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Fund.