Carolyn Bernice Wagner

Carolyn was born on October 2, 1934, in Graham County, Kansas, to Willis and Florence Nickelson. She grew up on the family farm south of Penokee, Kansas, alongside her siblings. On November 22, 1952, she married Herbert Wagner in Hill City, Kansas, and together they raised four children.

During the early years of their marriage, Carolyn was a devoted homemaker while Herbert farmed and worked in the oil fields. After the family moved to Wichita in 1968, she began a career with NCR, where she spent approximately 10 years assembling computer circuit boards. Following her retirement, she remained active by working part-time in the cafeteria at North High School and helping maintain the Maize Cemetery.

Carolyn and Herbert shared a passion for breeding and raising exotic birds, traveling throughout the United States to bird shows where they sold birds and handcrafted toys. Around 2006, they built a home in the country, where Carolyn enjoyed raising dogs, continuing her work with birds, and watching the deer that visited outside her kitchen window. Returning to rural life brought her great happiness.

Carolyn was talented with her hands and enjoyed sewing, quilting, needlework, and crocheting. Her final years were spent under the compassionate care of the nurses, aides, and staff at Wheatlands Health Center, with the support of Rivercross Hospice. She especially looked forward to participating in activities at Wheatlands such as kickball, bingo, and community outings, which brought her much joy.

Above all, Carolyn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who will be remembered for her caring heart, strong work ethic, and the love she shared with her family.

Survivors include: Children, Robert (Joyce) Wagner, Debby (Dave) Ingrim, Sheila (Greg) Alexander; grandchildren, Lisa (Somers) Arebalo, Angie (Somers) Jennings Scheopner, Jason Wagner, Kim Wagner, Amy Kucharo, Jeni Kucharo, Brooke Alexander; great-granddaughters, Taylor, Abby, and Ava; and the newest additions, great-great-granddaughters Hazel and Haddie.

Preceded in death by spouse, Herbert Wagner; siblings, Shannon Nickelson, Helen Saye, Verna Nickelson, Randall Nickelson, Leonard Nickelson; daughter & son-in-law, Pam & Dennis Somers; grandson, Jay Alexander.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 17th, at 10:00 a.m. at Livingston Funeral Home, Kingman, Kansas.  Services will be live streamed at the Livingston Funeral Home Facebook page beginning at approximately 9:45 a.m.  Burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wheatlands HealthCare or Rivercross Hospice and both may be left with or mailed to the Livingston Funeral Home, 1830 N. Main, Kingman KS 67068.