Joel Dean Wagoner

Joel D. Wagoner, 81, Blue Hill, Nebraska passed away on Friday, August 23, 2019 at his home in Blue Hill.  Service is Wednesday, August 28, 2018, 10:00 a.m. at Merten-Butler Mortuary Chapel, Blue Hill, Nebraska with Pastor Paul Julian officiating.  Burial will be in the Blue Hill Cemetery, Blue Hill, Nebraska.  Memorials can be directed to Blue Hill Public Schools.  Visitation will be Tuesday, August 27, 2019 from 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. at Merten-Butler Mortuary.  Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com.  Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.

Joel was born on September 8, 1937 to Kenneth D. and Mary E. (Martin) Wagoner at Blue Hill.  Joel graduated from Blue Hill High School in 1955 and then graduated from Hastings College with a Bachelor’s in Education.  He also attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education.  He eventually settled in Kimball, Nebraska where he taught for thirty years in fourth and fifth grade.  He was also elementary principal for a few years.  During these years he also worked for the Philmont Scout Ranch in the summer. Outside of teaching he filmed for the school sports teams and activities such as graduations and concerts.  After retiring in 1995 he moved back to Blue Hill and started filming events for the Bobcats. He spent his summers working at Estes Park, Colorado.  In March of 2018 he was awarded the NSIAAA District 5 Outstanding Service Award for all that he had done for Blue Hill Athletics.  He was awarded this based on the nomination by Blue Hill Public Schools for his 22 years of service and counting to the athletic and activity department at Blue Hill.  He also started the tradition of putting up 40+ flags for football and softball home games to create a great environment for high school sports.  In 2012 the school renamed the sports facility at the High School as the Joel Wagoner Sports Facility in his honor.  Joel is a member of the Church of Christ in Hastings, is an Eagle Scout and is a Lifelong Member of the Boy Scouts.

Joel is survived by several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother; Russell.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joel Dean Wagoner, please visit our floral store.