May 27, 1931 – Aug. 3, 2018
Duane Ronald Gagner, 87, of Sweet Home died Aug. 3, 2018 at Evergreen Hospice House in Albany after suffering a stroke on July 31.
He was born May 27, 1931 in Lignite, N.D. to Philius and Nellie (Pierce) Gagner.
When he was 5, his family migrated to Oregon, settling in Woodburn. In the 1940s they moved to Portland, settling in the Hollywood District.
Mr. Gagner attended Grant High School. After school, he worked at Pacific Fruit before enlisting in the Navy where he served as a gunner’s mate on the USS Halsey Powell and drove supply truck in Yokosuka, Japan.
After his discharge, he went to work for the Burlington Northern Railroad, from which he retired after 40 years of service.
Mr. Gagner married Linda (Lin) Kirchoff Gillespie in Vancouver, Wash. on Aug. 27, 1971. Shortly after their wedding they moved to Sweet Home/Foster area.
For several years Mr. Gagner also owned and operated Riggs Hill Nursery from his backyard. During this time the highlight for him was selling many flowers and hanging baskets for Mother’s Day. It would get so busy, he would joke that he might have to call out the National Guard to direct traffic up and down the hill.
Mr. Gagner enjoyed his family and looked forward to yearly family reunions, always making sure to ask “what’s new?” as each family member arrived.
He is survived by his wife, Lin; children Ron (Kari) of Sequim, Wash., Jeffrey (Traci) of Sweet Home, Craig (Pearl) of Gresham, Paul (Jennifer Gamache) of Eagle Creek, Kathleen Hay (John) of Sweet Home, Don Gillespie (Vicki) of Hillsboro, and Chris (Gail) Gillespie of Sweet Home; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother; three sisters; grandson Brennen Etheridge and granddaughter Amy Maisto.
There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, Aug. 18, at St. Helen Catholic Church, 600 6th Ave. in Sweet Home. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 10:30 a.m., with a Celebration of Life Mass following at 11 a.m.
Huston-Jost Funeral Home is handling the arrangements
Contributions in Mr. Gagner’s memory may be made to PEO, Chapter FA and sent in care of Huston-Jost Funeral Home, 86 Grant St., Lebanon, OR 97355.