FAULKTON, SD – Virgene L. Wagner, 80, of Faulkton, passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Faulkton Area Medical Center.
A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at the United Church of Faulkton with Pastor Shawn Stoll presiding. Burial will follow in the Faulkton Cemetery. A prayer service will be 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 4, 2023, at the church.
Virgene Lavelle Auwarter was born February 14, 1943, in Britton SD to Eugene and Alpharetta (Smith) Auwarter. Virgene joined her sister, Sharine and then two years later her brother, Carmen was born.
Virgene had a twinkle in her eye from the time she was born. She liked to keep her parents on their toes. To keep her out of trouble, her mom decided to teach her dance. That is when her love of dancing started. At family reunions, Virgene and her siblings were known to bring out the “Tea for Two” tap dance. Carmen took a little convincing from his sisters to get up and tap dance with them, but he always did.
Virgene attended Amherst Elementary until the third grade and then went to Lowell Country School until the eighth grade. She then went on to graduate from Britton High School in 1961.
She decided to continue her education at Stuart’s School of Hair in Aberdeen. She graduated in 1962 and never looked back. She owned and operated her salon for over 60 years. She was on the State Board of Cosmetology for four years under Governor Frank Farrar. She would often say only your beautician knows your true colors.
Virgene met the love of her life, Jim Wagner, in 1968 in Faulkton SD. Jim knew right away that, that brunette was for him. After a yearlong courtship, which included Jim taking Virgene and her mother dancing several times, they were joined in marriage at Jim’s home church of Spencer Memorial Presbyterian in Lemmon SD on June 1, 1969. They enjoyed many years of dancing, camping, quilting, and putting on many miles to attend several family reunions.
In 1972, Jim and Virgene were blessed with their first child, Shane James. Three years later, Kerri Ellen was born, and their family was completed. Virgene was so happy when her kids and grandkids were all around and it is evident how proud she was of them. Virgene was active in many groups in Faulkton. She was a member of the Lions Club, Faulkton Area Arts Council, Tri-County Good Sams camping club, Aberdeen Quilt Guild, and the United Church Mission Team.
Virgene spent countless hours following in her mother’s footsteps as an accomplished seamstress. She enjoyed the many quilting retreats and shows that she attended. She was honored when she was awarded first place for several of her quilts.
Virgene will always be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother to her family. She was kind, generous and oh so funny. She had a quick wit and a moonbeam sense of humor.
Virgene is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Jim; son, Shane (Karen) Wagner; daughter, Kerri (Brandon) Johnson; grandson, Lane Brown (Miranda Markowski); granddaughters: Chesnee Wagner, and Jaina and Allana Johnson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who were blessed to share her life.
Virgene was preceded in death by her father, Eugene Auwarter and her mother, Alpharetta Auwarter.
Memorials in Virgene’s honor will be given to the FAMC Foundation, PO Box 100, Faulkton SD 57438.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Virgene’s arrangements. (www.familyfuneralhome.net)

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