Lars Wager, 54, of Box Elder and formerly of Gettysburg, passed away peacefully, Friday, January 20, 2023, at his home.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 27, 2023, at the United Methodist Church, Gettysburg with Pastor Jeff Adel presiding. Burial will follow in the Gettysburg Cemetery. Visitation will be one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Lars Eugene Wager was born October 24, 1968, at Fort Hood Military base in Texas. When he was five days old, his father, Joyce, was honorably discharged from the Army and the family moved back to the family farm near Gettysburg, SD. During his short stay in Texas, Lars’ first crib was a dresser drawer.

Lars grew up on the family farm and graduated from Gettysburg High School in 1987. Following graduation, he moved to Brookings, SD where he attended college, studying agriculture. A year later his grandparents passed away resulting in Lars returning home to farm alongside his father, Joyce. After college he raised pigs and won the young producer award for selling the most pigs in his age group. He later moved to Indiana where he joined the Laborers Local 81 Union and quickly climbed the ranks by becoming a Stewart. Lars always said, “I even worked on Trump’s parking garage for his casino boat.” While working in Indiana he met his future wife’s brother, Dan Pajor, which led to the marriage of Lars and Theresa. In 2000 his first child, Zachary Wager, was born. In 2004, they left Indiana and moved to Spearfish, SD where they welcomed their second son, Zane Wager, in 2005.

Lars was the most wonderful and loving son, father, brother, and uncle. His favorite things to do while spending time with his sons were hunting, fishing, and camping. His favorite hobby was tending to his garden with his mother, Joan Wager. He would often give produce from his garden to neighbors where his mother Joan and he lived in Box Elder. Along with his green thumb, Lars raised golden retrievers and would donate puppies to veterans who were unable to afford one.

Lars passed away far before his time and leaves behind his three sons: Zachary and Zane Wager and Justin Zweber; mother, Joan Wager of Box Elder; father, Joyce Wager of Mobridge; sister, Barb (Kris) Mayer of Selby; nieces, Lesley (Aaron) and Kristen, and nephew, Dawson.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Walter and Edna Wager and maternal grandparents, Eugene and Dollie Little.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Lars’ arrangements.

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