George K. Wagner

George K. “Beebop” Wagner, 92, of McClure, passed away on April 25, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on May 22, 1932, in Bannerville, he was the son of Frank S. and Rosie C. (Krepps) Wagner. George graduated from McClure High School in 1950, winning the state soccer championship his junior year. He served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1952-1954. George was a lifelong member of the Bannerville Church of the Brethren.

George married Janie Wagner on Nov. 21, 1952. They spent 72.5 years of unwavering love and devotion, and he joined her in heaven just 45 days after her passing in March. After a brief stint at Standard Steel, George quickly decided he would not spend his life working for someone else. He founded Feather Heaven Farm near the Village of Wagner, literally building his successful poultry enterprise brick by brick with his bare hands. Over the decades, he employed hundreds of locals, earning a storied reputation as a fair, honest, and hardworking entrepreneur, and to many, a lifelong friend. George also built the beloved stone house that he and Janie called home for most of their married lives entirely by hand. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t design, engineer, build, fix, or rig on his own. George believed that you could achieve anything you set your mind to and lived by this philosophy every day.

George and Janie experienced the world together. George loved to share his stories from the outback of Australia, hitchhiking around Alaska, or month-long family road trips in their Airstream. They spent over 30 years as summer residents of Otter Creek, ME, cherishing their second home and welcoming visitors. George lived a life filled with creating memories and adventure.

Family and friends were George’s greatest love. Nicknamed “Beebop” early by his grandson, he proudly displayed his Beebop license plates wherever he went. For Beebop, everything came back to family.

George was preceded in death by Janie, nine siblings, and his daughter-in-law, Laurie ‘Doty’ Wagner. He is survived by his children, Michael S. Wagner (Pamela) of Selinsgrove, and Lisa Kay Wagner of McClure; grandchildren, Andrew M. Wagner (Brittany) of Williamsburg, VA, and Amanda Bryan of Lewisburg; great-grandchildren, Audrey Wagner, Evan and Alex Bryan; sister Shirley M. Grubbs of Carlisle; close family friend Kathleen Vollmer, and several nieces and nephews.

George was known for his jokes, always ready to spread happiness. In his memory, we leave you with his favorite: “Have you heard the joke about the jump rope? Just skip it.”

A viewing will be held from 3 to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Bannerville Church of the Brethren, followed by a funeral service at 4 p.m. Pastor Jeffrey Snyder will officiate. Interment with full Military Honors will take place at Bannerville Church of the Brethren Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Heller- Hoenstine Funeral Home

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bannerville Church of the Brethren, 7502 Stage Road, McClure, PA 17841. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hellerhoenstinefuneralhome.com.

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