Obituary of ARLENE TRUDEL WAGNER

Arleen Trudel Wagner (nee: Holunga)

  Arleen was born on Dec.12, 1944, in Hamilton Ontario.  Her parents later moved to Bluewing, Mb in the spring of 1946, and then to Inglis, MB, where she grew up and attended school.  In Inglis, Arleen met Richard Wagner and they were married in 1963.  Richard and Arlene (some may notice the spelling change here, and that was due to type-o on the marriage certificate where Arlene later took-on that spelling), moved throughout various towns in Manitoba. Together, they found many new friends in Winnipeg Beach, Clanwilliam/Minnedosa, Thompson, Gilbert Plains, Dauphin, then settling in for the longer stay in Rivers, MB, where her family would finally call their hometown. 

  Living in Rivers, and while raising a family, Arlene also managed to obtain her nursing degree at Brandon University.  She had a lengthy career as an RN at the Brandon Hospital.  Later in retirement, she continued to use her skills providing care during her husband’s illness, and then for her father.  She is the main reason, along with her sister Cathy, that Richard and Ted were able to remain at home during tough times, and for this gift, the family is eternally grateful. 

  Arlene finally settled in Winnipeg where she accepted her new role as matriarch and head of the family.  Her home continued to be a welcome home-base for the family, and there was always soup and a sandwich or pastry treats during family visits.  She did her absolute best in keeping our family together, in having her door always open for us.  She also kept up with the Wagner side of the family, across the provinces by regular phone calls during all her brothers- in-law and sisters- in-law’ birthdays, Christmas, and other special occasions.

  Arlene was pre-deceased by her parents (Ted in 2017, and Anita in 1998); infant brother Roger, in 1955; and her husband Richard in 2007.  Arlene will be lovingly-remembered by her 4 siblings Terry Holunga (Brenda), Tom Holunga (late wife Elizabeth), Tim Holunga (late wife Shirley), and Catherine (Danny Davis); Arlene’s five children Richard (Tracy), Blair (Laura), Byron (Brenda), Elana (Trevor Loewen), and Corrine (Kevin Wareham); thirteen grand children, and six great grand children.

  Pallbearers are grand sons Richard (jr) Wagner, Justin Wagner, Tyler Wagner, Ryan Wagner; nephews Demetrios Holunga, Steven Davis.  Honorary pallbearers are nephews Roger Holunga, and Theodore Holunga.

  Funeral service will be held Friday January 21 at 11:00 am at St. Demetrios Romanian Orthodox Church, 103 Furby Street, Winnipeg with Reverend Father Victor Malanca officiating.  Pastor Richard Beinert of St. James Lutheran Church will be assisting in officiating during interment, which will held at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4000 Portage Avenue, following the service at St. Demetrios.

  For the many who are unable to attend the service in respecting current health orders, we are sorry that attendance is limited to immediate family.   We thank you for your understanding and for your prayers.

  In lieu of flowers, donations to The Heart and Stroke Foundation are appreciated.