William James Wagner, of Friday Harbor, Wash., formerly of North Platte, Neb., died Aug. 12, 2010.

Bill was born on Dec. 25, 1937, in Carroll, to William and Florence Wagner. He resided in Wayne during his childhood, graduated from Wayne High School in 1955 and attended Wayne State College.

In 1958, he married Carole Sights and they soon moved to North Platte.

In 1959, Bill opened Linden Manor Nursing Home in North Platte, which they operated until 1986, when they moved to start a restaurant in Friday Harbor, Wash. After this successful business opportunity, he and Carole decided to sell the restaurant and “semi-retire.” This allowed Bill to pursue one of his greatest passions, cooking, where he worked at the University of Washington Marine Laboratory as a chef.

No matter where he lived, Bill brought a spirit of giving and never met a stranger. This was true both in North Platte and also on the Island. He enjoyed many activities, which included hunting, fishing and a spirited game of four-point pitch.

Bill is survived by his wife, Carole; daughters, Deb Majors, of Greeley, Colo., Laurie Buck, of Friday Harbor, Wash.; two sisters, Betty Baxter, of Omaha, Bonnie Felt ofNorth Platte; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter.

Memorial services were on Aug. 15, at the Valley Historical Church in Friday Harbor, Wash.

— Family of William James Wagner