Valdyss Elaine Wagner

Valdyss Elaine “Val” Wagner passed away peacefully on Monday, October 11, 2021 at The Retreat at Cary Corner in Raleigh, North Carolina. She was 96. Born on August 4, 1925 in Detroit Lakes, Becker County, Minnesota, she was the youngest child of Ole G. and Amelia (Overmoen) Espeseth. For most of her childhood the family lived and farmed in Traill County, North Dakota. She attended country schools and graduated from Hillsboro High School. After high school graduation she left home to work in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, and Kansas City, and in 1956 she married Creighton Sanford Wagner. They raised their children in Missouri, California, Illinois, and then Brookside, New Jersey, where they resided for over 30 years. In 2001 Craig and Val moved to Cary, North Carolina to be close to their children and grandchildren.

Val was very talented musically and artistically. She delved into all kinds of craft making and decorated the family home with her many beautifully made items. Having grown up in a household where the family enjoyed playing music together, Val studied music throughout her life, playing both the piano and organ. In her later years she enjoyed learning Chinese brush painting, writing poetry and learning to play mandolin. She spent many hours playing along with recordings of her favorite bluegrass music artists.

Val committed her life to Jesus Christ at a young age and her faith in the Lord was a foundation for her life and a legacy to her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Wagner of Apex, NC, son, Michael Wagner and wife, Jennifer Wagner, of Cary, NC, her grandchildren, Eric and Brett Wagner, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband (in 2015), parents and siblings Odin Espeseth, Wilhelm (Willie) Espeseth, Lydia (Lee) Peterson, Oscar Espeseth, Irene Peterson, Delmar Espeseth and Loris Espeseth. The family extends our gratitude to the caring staff at 3HC Hospice, The Retreat at Cary Corner, and Woodland Terrace Assisted Living. A private service will be held. Burial will be at Wake Memorial Park Cemetery in Cary, North Carolina.