Barney Bagby

Barney Winfield "Wink" Bagby, 81, of Wausau, passed away at Mount View Care Center on Friday, December 13, 2013. He was born to Marshall and Gertrude (Ransdell) Bagby in Clarksville, Tennessee, on May 28, 1932. He grew up and attended school in Tennessee. Wink met his future bride, Lois Frank, while on a blind date in Clarksville, which was arranged while she was visiting friends in the area. They were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wausau on December 28, 1955, and they made their home together in Wausau. Wink began his career as a truck driver at G & B Produce and eventually worked in sales. They had four children together and Wink worked hard to provide for his family. A family he loved very much.

Barney served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

He was a member of First English Lutheran Church and was involved with his church in many ways. Faith and music were very important to Barney. He was on the church council, chairman of the fair stand, and ushered. Wink liked to cook and bake, and would share the treats with his family and friends. He was a Packers and Badgers fan, even attending a Rose Bowl in 1999. Wink also enjoyed golfing. After his retirement, Wink and Lois traveled with family and friends. A memorable trip was to Mazatlan for their 50th wedding anniversary with their children and grandchildren.

Wink is survived by his wife, Lois of Wausau; children, Cynthia (Mike) Rauen, John Bagby, Thomas (Toni) Bagby, and Sherri Bagby, all of Wausau; grandchildren, Matthew and David Bagby, of Wausau; sisters-in-law, Ruth Bagby, Nancy Cornell, Arlet Johnson, Carol Leubner, Nancy Hoeppner, Joyce Louthan, and Sandra (Jerry) Ermeling; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters, Mattie (Bill) White, Mary Lou (Arthur) Davis, William Bagby, Alfred (Sara) Bagby, and Jesse Bagby; sister-in-law, Wilma Cherek; and brothers-in-law, James Cherek, Robert Johnson, Lowell Leubner, Roy Hoeppner, and Wilbur Louthan.

A funeral service will be at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2013, at First English Lutheran Church, 402 North Third Ave., Wausau, with Rev. Erik Olson officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 4:00 p.m. until the time of service at the church. Following the service the family extends an invitation to join them for a meal served in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 17, in Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau, with military funeral honors provided by American Legion Montgomery Plant Post #10.

You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to First English Lutheran Church.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Mount View Care Center – Northern Reflections for the excellent care provided to Barney and to Gary Pagel for the visits and time spent over the years.

"During this season of our Savior's birth, we remember that Jesus came to earth to pay the price for our sins that all who believe in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Our Dad and Papa was a believer, and he passed that faith on to his children and grandchildren. This wonderful gift gives us the blessed assurance that he is in the heavenly mansion prepared for him, and at the banquet table with Jesus and the faithful family and friends that have gone before. We will miss you, but rejoice in your victory. Love, Mike & Cindy, John, Tom & Toni, Sherri, Matt & David."