Robert Lynn “Bob” Wagnitz

May 17, 1924 ~ December 21, 2023 (age 99)

Robert Lynn “Bob” Wagnitz, 99, died December 21, 2023, at Laurel Health and Rehabilitation Center after a brief illness.  Bob was born May 17, 1924, to Lloyd and Florence (Adams) Wagnitz in Missoula, MT and graduated from Missoula County High School in 1942. Prior to high school graduation, he was recruited by the U.S. Army to participate in an accelerated meteorology program at the University of Oregon. Upon completion, he served in the Army Air Corps 30th Weather Squadron in the western Pacific. He received the American Theater Service Medal, the Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and a good conduct medal. He was honorably discharged February 1946. He returned to Missoula and enrolled at the University of Montana where he majored in Business Administration and was member of the ROTC and the Sigma Nu Fraternity. Bob graduated with honors in 1949. He was recalled to service during the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain in 1958. A proud veteran, Bob remained active in the Hardin, MT chapter of the American Legion, serving regularly in its honor guard.  A highpoint in his life was traveling to Washington D.C. as a member of the Honor Flight program.  For most of his working life, Bob managed farm implement dealerships and suppliers in eastern Washington. Bob enjoyed reading, working out at the Hardin Community Activity Center, going to coffee with his friends at McDonald’s and writing poetry to his family and friends. He married Barbara Smith in 1947, Doris Newell in 1954, and Edith Cox in 1981, all of whom preceded him in death.

Bob leaves behind a sister, Shirley Duncan, of St. George, UT; daughters Ann “Punki” Bullis (Terry) of Hardin, MT and Barbara Schnase (John) of Ronan, MT and son Jeff Wagnitz (Shelley) of Olympia, WA, as well as his dear friend and companion Lorraine Kuntz of Hardin.  He is also survived by grandchildren Kristi (Patrick) Greenfield of Hardin, Kent (Jenn) Bullis of Rutherford, NJ, Kellie (Travis) Newton of Vancouver, WA, Nate (Leslie) Schnase of Billings,Lee (Carlee) Schnase of Ronan, Emily (Dominic Tracy) Wagnitz, of Ferndale, WA and Isaac Wagnitz, of Olympia, WA; as well as 13 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandsons, one nephew Jim (Julie) Duncan of St. George, UT.  He was a member of the St. John Masonic Lodge #92, First American Lutheran Church and the Big Horn County Senior Citizens.  A celebration of life with military honors will be held 11 AM Friday, January 19, 2024, at Bullis Funeral Chapel in Hardin.  Bob will later be laid to rest at the Missoula City Cemetery. The family asks that donations be directed to Hardin’s American Legion Chapter.