Candi Mae (Bernard) Wagner, 46, of Russell, Kansas, entered into her eternal rest Monday, November 6, 2023, with her loving family by her side after a courageous battle against cancer.
Candi was born December 17, 1976 in Beloit, Kansas. She was the daughter of Dan E. and Deborah M. (Brummer) Bernard. Candi grew up in Beloit until the year of 1987, when her family moved to Russell, Kansas. She graduated from Russell High School in 1995. She then attended Fort Hays State University and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance.
Candi was united in marriage to Paul M. Wagner on June 8, 1996 in Russell. This union was blessed with three beautiful children; Jordyn, Jacquelyn and P.J. The family made their home in Russell.
Candi worked with her husband to build their family business, B&P Contract Pumping. She also worked for the Russell County Health Department as a Daycare Surveyor. Candi was a Red Cross certified swim instructor and lifeguard and had her own business in teaching children in the Russell community and surrounding area how to swim. She also worked for the Russell Elk’s and City of Russell pools. Candi also was RHS tennis coach from 2003–2004.
Candi was a member of St. Mary’s Queen of Angel’s Catholic Church, CYO Sponsor and a CCD Instructor. She served on the Board of Post Rock Family Services. Candi was elected to the USD 407 Board of Education from 2013 to 2017.
Candi was very active in her children’s activities, supporting them in Russell Booster Club, Safe Night After Prom, 4-H, and FFA, along with the numerous pep rallies and traveling when she could, to attend their many games, camps, and academic fairs. FAMILY was the most important part of her life! At any event or celebration, Candi could always be found camera in hand capturing memories to share with others. Candi was also very adventurous! She loved everything from sky diving, camping & fire pits, boating, wake boarding, horseback riding, exercise classes, cooking, to baking. She loved celebrating the holidays especially Thanksgiving and her favorite Christmas!
Candi’s surviving family include her husband of 27 years, Paul of the home; daughters Jordyn Rohr(Kaden) & granddaughter Blair Taylor of Hays, Kansas; Jacquelyn Wagner of Russell; son, P.J. Wagner of the home; parents, Dan and Deborah Bernard of Russell; brother, Jeremy Bernard (Lyndi) & niece, Lexi of Wichita, Kansas.
Candi was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Donald and Maxine Brummer; paternal grandfather, Marlin Bernard; parent-in-laws, Paul and Betty Wagner; uncle, Larry Bernard; and nephew, Sean Banks.
Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, December 2, 2023 at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell. Burial of Ashes will follow at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Russell. Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:30 PM, Friday, December 1, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Friday December 1, 2023 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established as the Candi Wagner Memorial Fund. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of the arrangements.