Carolyne Marie Wagner

Carolyne Marie Wagner, 87, peacefully went to be with our Lord Saturday December 9th at 9:49 pm, in her home at Sunshine Gardens Country Home in Durango Colorado.  She was surrounded by family who witnessed a beautiful ending to her legacy here on earth. 

Carloyne was born in Lincoln Nebraska on May 20th 1930 to Wilhelm Carl Hild and Edith Delane Hild.  She had an older and younger sister, making a trio of beautiful women.  Her father died when the girls were 2,4 and 6, but provided a house debt free. The incredible resilience of her mother providing a loving home, sewing the girl’s clothes, working as a baker for the public schools, all during the great depression demonstrated the ‘Hild’ depth of character that Carolyne inherited.

After graduating from Lincoln High School she went to the University of Nebraska where she became a College Counselor.  Carolyne also worked at Miller and Payne Department Store as a Make-up Artist. She eventually worked at JC Penny’s as an Administrative Assistant, where she caught the eye of J. Donald (Don) Wagner who became the love of her life.  Don and Carolyne fell deeply in love with each other and were married August 29th, 1952.  They moved to Colorado and lived in Littleton for 51 of their 59 years of marriage, making Littleton their home.

Don and Carolyne lived what others would call a fairy tale life, full of romance and unfailing love.  Together they had 4 children: Randal Thomas, Taryn Rae, Tamra Delane, and Scott Brian.  Carolyne then found her calling, to be the Best Mother, and that she was.  She put her husband and her 4 children before herself in all she did.  She used to jokingly call herself “Car Carolyne” as she made sure that her 4 children were given every opportunity in the world, from swimming lessons to summer Christian camps.  During this time, she was able to continuously be the room mother for all of her children’s grade school classrooms while simultaneously teaching Sunday school.

In the early 60’s Carolyne was Mrs. Littleton and First Runner-up for Mrs. Colorado; her beauty and grace where undeniable. She was the Chairman of Christian Woman’s Club for the majority of the 70’s demonstrating her natural ability for leadership and speaking.  Not only was she beautiful, but she was athletic and artistically gifted.  She was the President of the South Suburban Women’s Golf Club, and on a women’s bowling league.  Carloyne had a perfect pitched soprano voice, that she portrayed not only to her family but in church choirs and eventually was part of the Mary Ward Singers known as the Littleton Chorale.  Not only did she have an angelic voice but she was an artist.  Carolyne loved to paint in oils and acrylics and draw with charcoals leaving her family a legacy of her work

The cornerstone of her life was her deep and unwavering love for her Lord Jesus Christ.  She lived her faith through devotion to her husband and children; her endless joy; enduring positive nature; words of affirmation; continuous prayers for her family; and astounding wisdom. As a mother she constantly demonstrated unconditional love and spoke of her children with heartfelt pride.  She would bring sunshine to all she met.

Carolyne was preceded in death by J. Donald Wagner (husband), Norma Marx (sister) and Shirley Swearington (sister).  She is succeeded by her four children: Randal Wagner (Jan), Tari Atchison, Tamra Lavengood (Steve), and Scott Wagner. Carloyne also has 14 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Visitation: Friday December 15th, 2017; 4-7 pm at Drinkwine Mortuary

Funeral Service: Saturday December 16th, 2017; 1:00 pm at Drinkwine Mortuary

Graveside Service will follow at the Littleton Cemetery

The family would like to thank all of the staff at Sunshine Gardens Country Home for not only their excellent care, but for the love and compassion they gave to Carolyne. Thank you for caring with your hearts, you’re all the best!

 Service Information