Agnes Lorraine Wangerin

Agnes L. Wangerin passed away at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan, Montana on August 28, 2024. Agnes Lorraine Christensen was born to Mary and Henry Christensen on October 12, 1933. She grew up on a grain farm near Westby, Montana with her two brothers Verne and Kenneth and her sister, Marge. Agnes attended high school in Plentywood, Montana, where she lived with her grandmother and cousin during the week, returning to the farm on weekends. On June 30, 1951, she married Melvin C. Wangerin from Outlook, Montana. They lived and worked on the Henry Wangerin farm outside of Outlook during the summer months and traveled to western and southwestern Montana in the winter months where Melvin found work. They had four children Marcia, Wayne, Rich and Sandy. In 1960, Agnes and Melvin moved to Polson, Montana and in 1961, they bought the Ray Turnquist homestead west of Ronan, Montana. 

Agnes often did very non-traditional work for a woman. For a number of years, she milked dairy cows morning and night before she and Melvin decided to raise beef cattle. She also mastered many forms of home art, including knitting, crocheting, sewing, holiday dinners and landscaping. Agnes loved being outdoors. If she wasn’t helping Melvin with ranch work, she would be outside in her yard tending to flowers, bushes and trees. As a result, she made the grounds around her home seem like an oasis that was visually very pleasing. Some said her yard was like a park. 

Agnes liked to read about the history of Montana and about different religions. She loved animals and would diligently take care of the orphaned calves. In the 1970s she adopted her first set of little black poodles. When she was 82 years old, she adopted two toy poodles who became her steadfast companions for the next 8 years. Agnes was hard-working and always had her routine chores, morning and evening. She was a quiet and gracious being, but also could be feisty and determined.

Agnes is survived by her daughter, Marcia, Missoula, MT; son, Rich, Wickenburg, AZ and daughter Sandy, Ronan, MT; and her sister Marge, Tempe, AZ; four grandchildren; Nadine, Laura, Chad and Courtney; eight great-grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren.

A viewing for Agnes is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home. A gathering of friends and family will be held at the Round Butte Women’s Clubhouse on Saturday, September 7th at 2:00 p.m.