Elmer John "Ej" Wageman

Elmer John "EJ" Wageman, age 90 of Yutan, died Saturday, January 2, 2016 in Valley. He was born March 23, 1925 on the family farm near Yutan to John Henry and Bertha (Reese) Wageman. On July 20, 1957, John married Wava Holzhey at Trinity Lutheran Church in Omaha. They had met at a dance in Omaha and enjoyed many dates together at Peony Park. At the time, John was working as a Landscape Designer and Independent Landscape Contractor. His passion for growing trees continued throughout his life. He served on the Nebraska Forestry Board and became skilled in the art of grafting trees. John dedicated a portion of his family farm to growing trees and, together with his son Kirk, established a vineyard. He also served on the Saunders County Planning Commission. As a lifelong farmer, John was a true steward of the land. He was a meticulous planner and an industrious worker. John was also well read. He especially enjoyed non-fiction books about science and archeology, and his daily newspaper. He is survived by his wife Wava of Yutan; children Ward (Emily) Wageman of Fremont, Susan (Joe) Vampola of Omaha, Tom (Candie) Wageman of Ithaca; sister Rose (Laurel) Nelson of Lincoln; sister-in-law Eileen Wagemann of Colon; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents John and Bertha Wageman, son John Kirk Wageman, brother Harvey Wageman; and sister Marilyn Fehr.