David George Wagaman
August 27, 1947 ~ July 15, 2022
David George Wagaman, 74, of Lincoln, passed away July 15, 2022. Visitation will take place at Wyuka Funeral Home from 6-8 P.M. on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Private family burial will occur prior to the Memorial Service. Memorial Services will be on Thursday, July 21, at 10:00 A.M. with Pastor Kerry O’Bryant officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Aging Partners of Lincoln, 1005 O Street, Lincoln, Ne, 68508.
David was born August 27, 1947, to David Wilson and Rosa Mae (Hamm) Wagaman in Reading, PA. He attended High School at Kutztown High School, graduating with the class of 1965. David married his High School Sweetheart, Linda Wessner on December 2, 1966, at New Bethel Church, Kempton, PA. He then attended Kutztown University where he received his Bachelor’s degree. They then moved to Pullman, Washington where he attended Washington State University, receiving his Master’s degree. The family then relocated to Lincoln, Nebraska where he earned his PhD in Economics. David began a 30+ year career for the State of Nebraska, where he was a budget analyst for the State. He also taught Economics at Nebraska-Wesleyan during the same time. David and Linda were also members of the Unitarian Church.
He was preceded in death by his Parents; Son John Richard Wagaman; Grandson Wyatt Daniel Wagaman; brother-in-law Donald Berstler
David is survived by his Loving Wife, Linda; Sons George Wilson (Judi) of Lincoln, Marc David (Billie) of Broken Arrow, Ok, and Luke Daniel Wagaman of Omaha, NE; 8 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren and Sister Paula Joy Berstler of Reading, PA.
Dave and the entire Wagaman family became close friends with my extended (Nelson) family. While the initial friendship was with my sister Kris and her husband Rich Cecava, it grew to include my parents, siblings and others. We will all miss Dave.
A large part of Dave’s brilliance was in his genuine, authentic, seemingly simple and unpretentious approach to life and friendships. But Dave was not simply a simple man.
So many memories:
Dave cooking pizza at Fort Robinson in his bib overalls and a head band. It was an all day project he took seriously. I’ll never forget how happy he was when people would say “is Dave making his pizza? When can we have some?”
His dedication to his huge garden each year. My guess is it was at least 1/2 acre of pure garden. I bet he ever missed a season as long as he could physically do it. And he canned massive amounts each fall!
Dave at the red picnic table at Lake Maloney, having a beer with my father, discussing the ins and outs of the Nebraska State budget and related politics. I like to think he, my father and mother are in heaven even now, at that red picnic table, having a beer and smiling as we all morn our loss.
Pheasant hunting with Dave in western Nebraska with my father, friends and family. Dave was often the guy who “blocked” at the end of the field as the rest of us walked the big fields, hoping to flush a ringneck. He was a good shot too!
Dave and his family coming to North Platte for rest and relaxation at my parents cabin on Lake Maloney. The cabin was “rustic” but that didn’t stop Dave. He seemed to love it. With only a little luck, the fish were biting off the dock.
Dave always drove OLD cars that he maintained himself, he drove a big old Plymouth that had a push button transmission for years. I think he had taken it apart several times, refusing to give it up for a “new” used car. I suspect that drove Linda crazy.
I remember my pride when I was a student at Nebraska Wesleyan when Dave taught advanced economics at night – and in overalls 😊. Students didn’t know about my relationship to Dave. But I know his His students really looked forward to his classes. Some thought him a bit odd in overalls and black horn rim glasses, but all knew he was an excellent professor. It made me feel so good whenever students complimented my friend “the professor”. Little did they really know Dave as I did. He encouraged me to take his classes, but I felt weird that I’d be in his class, and having a drink with him at a honky tonk bar next weekend.
Dave had a deep and commanding working knowledge of what was first called “Hillbilly” music that evolved into “Rockabilly” and ultimately into “Country Western”music. I regret that I won’t be able to learn more from him about the very best of true Hillbilly, Rockabilly, Country Western music. His command of that history seemed encyclopedic to me in my college years. His album collection was a treasure trove, but always played on a very simple stereo in his living room. What memories!
I could go on, but most of all, I’ll miss Dave’s friendship, intelligence and dry humor.
My sincere sympathy to Linda and Dave’s family. Also to all who knew him and called him “friend”.
Be kind to yourself and hold all loved ones close.
Awesome
I hope you and your family are well!