Harold Wagenius

Harold J. Wagenius , age 79, of Grantsburg, WI, passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2017, at Burnett Medical Center in Grantsburg. Harold was born on March 14, 1938, to Ernest and Edith (Larson) Wagenius at their home in Frazer, Montana.  He was brought into this world by Midwife, Mrs. Bird, from the nearby Reservation.  He attended schools there until the family moved to Wausaukee, WI, when Harold was a youth, and attended school there.  At the age of 16 years, he moved to Grantsburg to stay with his brother, Lester.  He helped on the farm, and then became an accomplished pulp cutter.   Soon after, Harold began his life long career as a truck driver.  His 9,000,000-mile journey included transporting a variety of products that included milk, livestock, paper, turkey products, and wood pulp, however, his favorite freight was fresh produce from California.  Harold was very proud of the fact that no one could beat his time getting a load to its destination and back, and his on-time deliveries thanks to his “magic pen.”  This was a man who was a living map, and received many calls from lost over-the-road truckers, to whom he was known as “Chain Drive” or “Rabbit.” Harold enjoyed hunting and fishing, but he rarely had time to partake of these outdoor activities. There was always another load that had to get there on time, and whoever he hauled for knew that he could get the job done!  When Harold realized there were more records he could break or truck weight scales he could avoid, his miles finally caught up with his body and he reluctantly retired at the age of 74 years. Harold was well liked in Grantsburg and had friends from coast to coast.  He will be deeply missed by his family, his many friends, and his trucking buddies. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edith and Ernest; brothers: Lester, Merle, and Leslie; and sisters: Joyce, Lucille, Lois, and Lulu. Harold is survived by his daughters, Becky Crocker (Jim) of Grantsburg and LouCinda Pearson of Minnesota, and a bonus son, Dewey Selander of Grantsburg.  His grandchildren are: Sam Johnson, Zachary Crocker, Casey Crocker, all of Grantsburg, and Taylor Pearson of Minnesota; great-grandchildren: Dakath, Kale, Tristan, Ayla, Ashlyn, Louke, and Emma.  Also surviving are a sister, Betty Ann Johnson of Marinette, WI; many nieces and nephews, and special friends, Corrine Schule and Doug Bistram. A Memorial Service honoring Harold’s life will be conducted at 2:00 pm (visitation 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm), Saturday, July 1, 2017, at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Grantsburg, with Pastor Jay Ticknor officiating.