Alvin Dale Wager

Alvin Dale Wager, age 86, of Yankton, South Dakota, died Friday, October 23, 2026, at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton under hospice care, surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 PM on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Yankton, South Dakota with Reverend Thi Pham officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Yankton. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a vigil service and rosary at 7:00 PM.

Al was born September 25, 1940 in Gettysburg, South Dakota to Kermit and Alma (Johnson) Wager. Al left school at a young age to help support his family. Although he did not have the opportunity to pursue much formal education, Al more than made up for it with his strong work ethic, determination, and willingness to give everything he had to whatever he did. He was known as a hard worker who took pride in providing for his family and never shied away from a day's work.

On August 9, 1967 he married Marsha Frost at Sacred Heart Church in Gettysburg, South Dakota. Together, they built a life and raised their family, and Alvin took great pride in seeing all of his children pursue education beyond high school. He spent many years working in the grocery business, managing the meat department and working as a butcher at the local grocery store in Gettysburg. He also served his community as a volunteer firefighter.

In 1995, Al and Marsha moved to Yankton, where he continued working in the grocery business at Sunshine Foods and Walmart. He also spent time working at Casey's General Store before eventually retiring. One of Al’s most valued roles was becoming his grandchildren' s after-school taxi. He took pride in picking them up from school, and the sight of him waiting outside to take them home in his old blue Chevy Blazer, at least 30 minutes before dismissal, is a memory his grandchildren will always cherish.

Outside of work, Al enjoyed spending time in the Black Hills, dancing, playing a spirited game of cards, and, of course, telling stories. He had a way of keeping people entertained and making memories with those around him. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and took pride in his family and the life he had built with Marsha.

Watching dementia gradually take away Al’s playfulness and personality was heartbreaking for his family. They are deeply grateful to the staff at Sister James for the compassionate care and dignity they provided to Al throughout his time there.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years, Marsha; his children: Tamara (Thad) Liebig of Yankton; Sandra DeBates of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Matthew (Katina) Wager of Sioux Falls; Kendra Harrell of Yankton and his bonus daughter, Lynette (James) Marzolf of Redfield; 14 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; his sister, LaVonne (John) Ferguson of Tobaccoville, North Carolina; and his brother, Norman Wager of Belle Fourche, South Dakota.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kermit and Alma; his brother Larry; and grandson Ian DeBates.