2026 Hometown HEROES Magazine LINCOLN DAILY NEWS June/July 2026 Page 9 Wagner’s grandparents, George and Louise Shirley, “were married on the first day of 1900 in Hartsburg, where they spent their entire life.” Galen and Roberta Shirley, Wagner’s parents, stayed in the area, so Wagner has also lived in this area her whole life. With all the work Wagner has done in the community, people who live in the village of Emden speak fondly of her. Emden resident Joli Crane says, “I have known Betty Gail since I was around three or four years old. She was my Sunday school teacher. I remember her teaching the class to weave our fingers together and bow our heads to pray. That same year, our Christmas program song was ‘Away in a Manger’. She took time to sing the song with us until we knew it by heart.” As a fellow member of American Legion Auxiliary Post #506, Crane says, “I have also learned a lot from Betty Gail about patriotism. She works year-round with the Auxiliary Post, going to meetings, preparing for the annual Memorial Day service at Bethel Church, collecting donations for veterans, and participating in other Auxiliary activities. Each year, Betty Gail cleans Bethel Church for the Memorial Day service, which includes dusting and sweeping. She also brings flowers for the altar each year. Some years, she serves as Auxiliary President and recites the dedication of the wreath to fallen veterans alongside the Legion Commander.” In addition, Crane says Betty Gail is also a great historian of Emden who serves on the boards of Bethel Church and the Emden Historical Society. “I have had the pleasure of hearing one of Betty Gail’s presentations on Bethel Church and School House. She provided me with great resources on Bethel when I was doing a project for one of my classes at ASU for my master’s in history. Betty Gail has done a lot in the community, and she continues to demonstrate a passion for her community and country.” John Cross, who has known Wagner for many years and goes to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church with her, says, “Betty Gail Wagner has been and still is a wonderful blessing to both her community and church! Through kindness, humble service, and faithfulness, she has touched countless lives both young and old while quietly making a difference wherever there was a need. Betty Gail has truly let her light shine before others and her love of people has reflected God’s grace in all she does.”
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzExODA=