Abram Reilly Wagner, 16, of Myerstown, RD 2, died Tuesday as a result of a vehicle accident in Jackson Twp. He was a junior at Eastern Lebanon High School, where he was a member of the varsity football and wrestling teams and qualified for the District 3 wrestling tournament last season. He was a member of Zion United Methodist Church, Schaefferstown, and enjoyed riding his BMX bike.
Surviving are his parents, Terry A. and Alice Horst Wagner, a brother Jacob H., attending the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, a sister Allison B. at home, his maternal grandparents, Earl and June Horst of Myerstown, RD 2, a paternal stepgrandfather, Henry Keeney of Myerstown, and aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Memorial services will be held at 1:30 pm Saturday in the ELCO High School auditorium. Burial will be in Schaefferstown Cemetery. Viewing will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday in Clauser Funeral Home, Schaefferstown. Memorial contributions may be made to the Abe Wagner Memorial Athletic Fund, c/o Northwest Bank, Attn: J.J.Valerio, 1 W. Main St., P.O.Box 406, Myerstown, PA 17067.
Abram Reilly Wagner was born 6:56am Wednesday April 24, 1985. He was several weeks early and was a little small weighing 4 lb. 6 oz. and was 18.5 in. long. But he was healthy and after he came home May 3 he began to gain weight quickly. Abe died 8:10pm Tuesday September 18, 2001. He weighed 158 lb. and was 5 ft 11.5 in. tall. Abe was pronounced dead at the scene of the auto accident. He was the front seat passenger wearing his seatbelt. One of his best friends Brandon Blauch died four days later. He was sitting behind Abe.
But now I want to tell you about the 16 years 4 months and 24 days in between.
Jake was happy to have a little brother and couldn't wait for him to become a playmate. The boys' pre-school years were fun. Living in the country we had lots of outdoor chores which the family did together. Often in order to get the gardening done or rake the leaves one of the little ones was in an old wooden playpen in the backyard with the family pets, a pair of faithful Labs staying close by. Allie was born when Jake was six and Abe was three. We were really blessed with this family and with our friends.
Now all three kids were together growing up. Together to harvest the giant pumpkins and enter them in the Harvest Fair. Together to jump in the leaves we raked. In later years the threesome had made a tradition of participating in the New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge. I was their moral support for that icy swim. We took family vacations to Vermont to see Aunt Betsy, Aunt Mary and her family and to the beach where we stayed with Aunt Susie and Jack. There was often a birthday party to go to at Uncle Steve's house since Abe had five cousins there. There were family reunions with the Wagners and picnics at Aunt Faye's. But the best were the picnics, dinners, and holidays at Grandma and Grandpa Horst's house. Everyone loved being there together. Everyone means 31 people filling the farmhouse kitchen and living room. What memorable times together at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Our last one being Labor Day. Most of the family was there and this picnic included our Jack Russell Terrier Mollie and her five puppies. One of the puppies, Boomer a male that we kept, has now had his name expanded to Boomer Reilly. Abe liked being with Grandma and Grandpa anytime. Living so close he often went down to help with heavy tasks. Abe never minded using his muscles for his grandparents.
Abe was a buddy, an athlete, a bit of a dare-devil and a sweetheart from the very beginning. Many of Abe's friendships started in kindergarden and continued into high school. So many sleepovers and birthday parties; soccer and baseball games, then midget football; the skateboard, rollerblades, snowboards, and always the BMX bike; trips to the doctor or ER for dog bites, a tooth knocked out, bike accidents; and then girlfriends, one or two in elementary but all through middle school there was a girl in Abe's life. He was president of the ELCO Middle School Student Council in 8th grade. One of his duties in that office was reading the Christmas Story from the Bible for the Choral Concert. He practiced so hard and read flawlessly in a loud and clear voice. He was always anxious to go to church camp. It didn't matter that he knew no one when he got there because he would have new friends when he left. His favorite camp was between 9th and 10th grade at Pocono Plateau for a week of whitewater rafting, mountain biking and rock climbing. Abe loved adventure camping and extreme sports.
Abe lived for friends and sports. He loved going to school because that's where it was all happening. He was a pretty decent student but in all honesty sports and friends had a higher priority than school work. He was so very well liked by so many people. Of course he had a best friend or several "best" friends and a steady girlfriend. Lots of kids called him their best friend. I just can't say it enough, Abe had so very many friends, I think we can say hundreds of friends. Adults, most teachers, and all coaches enjoyed Abe's polite, respectful company. A dedicated weight lifter he was considered "buff" by many girls.
Abe's smile was priceless. A smile that was a bit crooked as a result of a log hitting him in the mouth and knocking out a front tooth. That's a long story. But the crooked smile took on more character when Mollie bit him in the lip. Abe was only trying to kiss her good-night, but she was on Daddy's lap and overreacted to Abe's approach. So it was an imperfect smile that was oh so perfect. The quickness of his smile, the way that he shared it with everyone, and its unquestionable sincerity made Abe's smile so special.
Abram was taking College Prep courses but his plans were to join the US Marine Corps. I wanted him to have a Plan B, telling him he'd be a great elementary teacher, kind of like Kindergarden Cop. But he had decided to join the Marines about 6 years ago and really stuck with that dream.
Abe was Number 12 on the ELCO Varsity Football Team. He was looking forward to this season so much. He had worked very, very hard in the off-season in weight training. When two-a-days started he worked even harder, finishing first in the 12 minute run and being proud to be the first one at stations many times. He knew his place on the team. Coach Evans had given Abe some special team assignments and he was a second-string wide receiver. He loved that position and counted on being one of the top receivers his senior year. He had also learned the fun of defense. But a torn meniscus in the third game was a season-ending injury. Abe had surgery September 11, the day of the Attack on America. On September 16, Abe wrote the following in his internet Instant Messenger Info Box , ""ELCO Football 3-0" goin for 4 this friday!!! I may be out for the season, but i'll be back next year better than ever, you just wait!!!!" Abe was represented at that 4th game of the season by the 12 on every teammate's helmet and armbands worn by players and coaches.
Abe also had a promising wrestling career. ELCO's Varsity Wrestling Team was only in its second year when Abe was a freshman and brought up from junior high. I think Coach Miller saw his potential and wanted Abe training with him or maybe to make it easier on Mom and Dad because Abe's brother Jake was also a Varsity Wrestler. Abe learned quickly and was very strong. He listened to his coaches and learned from his mistakes. Abe never gave up in a match no matter what the score or how much he was hurting. We were thrilled when he and his brother both qualified for Districts. Abe was a sophomore and Jake was a senior. We never knew we were watching both our sons' last high school matches that day.
BMX bike riding, along with jumping and even crashing was Abe's favorite liesure activity. Abe had just bought a new bike last spring when he got his first part-time job. He and that bike were one the summer of 2001. Townspeople recognized the boy with the faded, tattered Oakland A's cap on backwards, pedalling in and out of Schaefferstown or over to the high school. Brandon was an excellent cameraman, taping some of our last videos of Abe jumping the picnic table in our backyard and ramps at the Blauch's. Those two spent many, many hours on their bikes together. Friends forever.
Abe, all of us had so much more to look forward to. So very much that we will never know what was to be.
I can't believe we won't see you get your driver's license. Remember we always took a first day of school picture but this year I was going to take another first day, the first day of driving to school. There'll be no more summer jobs; no more football and wrestling camps; no senior pictures; no homecoming court, I know you would have been on it; no prom; no graduation. Daddy and I would have been crying but we would have been so proud to see you off to Marine boot camp. What was beyond that we can only imagine. But we know what is now. We know that now you are at peace with our Heavenly Father. We know that now we all greive and mourn for you; That the daily flow of tears will someday slow; That the pain in our hearts will be eased but never gone. We know that your family and friends will never, ever forget you. And most importantly we know that someday we will be together again.
The football team still wears their black "12" armbands. We're having the second annual Forever Friends Memorial Run. Thirty of your wrestling posters are hanging at the naval academy thanks to one of your classmates. You have a nine month old cousin whose name is Reilly. The entire ELCO student body will receive magnets with "your" quote to inspire them.
Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here
I feel you all around me
Your memories so clear
Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You're still an inspiration
Can it be(?)
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above
Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are
Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn't faith believing
All power can't be seen
As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday
'Cause you are mine
Forever love
Watching me from up above
And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave
Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are
I know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are
(Josh Groban - To Where You Are)
This song helps me some days to know that your are just one breath away, that one day we will be together again. How can the years go so quickly when so many nights are so long. I can't believe its already two years. We love you and miss you so very much.
Surviving are his parents, Terry A. and Alice Horst Wagner, a brother Jacob H., attending the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, a sister Allison B. at home, his maternal grandparents, Earl and June Horst of Myerstown, RD 2, a paternal stepgrandfather, Henry Keeney of Myerstown, and aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Memorial services will be held at 1:30 pm Saturday in the ELCO High School auditorium. Burial will be in Schaefferstown Cemetery. Viewing will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday in Clauser Funeral Home, Schaefferstown. Memorial contributions may be made to the Abe Wagner Memorial Athletic Fund, c/o Northwest Bank, Attn: J.J.Valerio, 1 W. Main St., P.O.Box 406, Myerstown, PA 17067.
Abram Reilly Wagner was born 6:56am Wednesday April 24, 1985. He was several weeks early and was a little small weighing 4 lb. 6 oz. and was 18.5 in. long. But he was healthy and after he came home May 3 he began to gain weight quickly. Abe died 8:10pm Tuesday September 18, 2001. He weighed 158 lb. and was 5 ft 11.5 in. tall. Abe was pronounced dead at the scene of the auto accident. He was the front seat passenger wearing his seatbelt. One of his best friends Brandon Blauch died four days later. He was sitting behind Abe.
But now I want to tell you about the 16 years 4 months and 24 days in between.
Jake was happy to have a little brother and couldn't wait for him to become a playmate. The boys' pre-school years were fun. Living in the country we had lots of outdoor chores which the family did together. Often in order to get the gardening done or rake the leaves one of the little ones was in an old wooden playpen in the backyard with the family pets, a pair of faithful Labs staying close by. Allie was born when Jake was six and Abe was three. We were really blessed with this family and with our friends.
Now all three kids were together growing up. Together to harvest the giant pumpkins and enter them in the Harvest Fair. Together to jump in the leaves we raked. In later years the threesome had made a tradition of participating in the New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge. I was their moral support for that icy swim. We took family vacations to Vermont to see Aunt Betsy, Aunt Mary and her family and to the beach where we stayed with Aunt Susie and Jack. There was often a birthday party to go to at Uncle Steve's house since Abe had five cousins there. There were family reunions with the Wagners and picnics at Aunt Faye's. But the best were the picnics, dinners, and holidays at Grandma and Grandpa Horst's house. Everyone loved being there together. Everyone means 31 people filling the farmhouse kitchen and living room. What memorable times together at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Our last one being Labor Day. Most of the family was there and this picnic included our Jack Russell Terrier Mollie and her five puppies. One of the puppies, Boomer a male that we kept, has now had his name expanded to Boomer Reilly. Abe liked being with Grandma and Grandpa anytime. Living so close he often went down to help with heavy tasks. Abe never minded using his muscles for his grandparents.
Abe was a buddy, an athlete, a bit of a dare-devil and a sweetheart from the very beginning. Many of Abe's friendships started in kindergarden and continued into high school. So many sleepovers and birthday parties; soccer and baseball games, then midget football; the skateboard, rollerblades, snowboards, and always the BMX bike; trips to the doctor or ER for dog bites, a tooth knocked out, bike accidents; and then girlfriends, one or two in elementary but all through middle school there was a girl in Abe's life. He was president of the ELCO Middle School Student Council in 8th grade. One of his duties in that office was reading the Christmas Story from the Bible for the Choral Concert. He practiced so hard and read flawlessly in a loud and clear voice. He was always anxious to go to church camp. It didn't matter that he knew no one when he got there because he would have new friends when he left. His favorite camp was between 9th and 10th grade at Pocono Plateau for a week of whitewater rafting, mountain biking and rock climbing. Abe loved adventure camping and extreme sports.
Abe lived for friends and sports. He loved going to school because that's where it was all happening. He was a pretty decent student but in all honesty sports and friends had a higher priority than school work. He was so very well liked by so many people. Of course he had a best friend or several "best" friends and a steady girlfriend. Lots of kids called him their best friend. I just can't say it enough, Abe had so very many friends, I think we can say hundreds of friends. Adults, most teachers, and all coaches enjoyed Abe's polite, respectful company. A dedicated weight lifter he was considered "buff" by many girls.
Abe's smile was priceless. A smile that was a bit crooked as a result of a log hitting him in the mouth and knocking out a front tooth. That's a long story. But the crooked smile took on more character when Mollie bit him in the lip. Abe was only trying to kiss her good-night, but she was on Daddy's lap and overreacted to Abe's approach. So it was an imperfect smile that was oh so perfect. The quickness of his smile, the way that he shared it with everyone, and its unquestionable sincerity made Abe's smile so special.
Abram was taking College Prep courses but his plans were to join the US Marine Corps. I wanted him to have a Plan B, telling him he'd be a great elementary teacher, kind of like Kindergarden Cop. But he had decided to join the Marines about 6 years ago and really stuck with that dream.
Abe was Number 12 on the ELCO Varsity Football Team. He was looking forward to this season so much. He had worked very, very hard in the off-season in weight training. When two-a-days started he worked even harder, finishing first in the 12 minute run and being proud to be the first one at stations many times. He knew his place on the team. Coach Evans had given Abe some special team assignments and he was a second-string wide receiver. He loved that position and counted on being one of the top receivers his senior year. He had also learned the fun of defense. But a torn meniscus in the third game was a season-ending injury. Abe had surgery September 11, the day of the Attack on America. On September 16, Abe wrote the following in his internet Instant Messenger Info Box , ""ELCO Football 3-0" goin for 4 this friday!!! I may be out for the season, but i'll be back next year better than ever, you just wait!!!!" Abe was represented at that 4th game of the season by the 12 on every teammate's helmet and armbands worn by players and coaches.
Abe also had a promising wrestling career. ELCO's Varsity Wrestling Team was only in its second year when Abe was a freshman and brought up from junior high. I think Coach Miller saw his potential and wanted Abe training with him or maybe to make it easier on Mom and Dad because Abe's brother Jake was also a Varsity Wrestler. Abe learned quickly and was very strong. He listened to his coaches and learned from his mistakes. Abe never gave up in a match no matter what the score or how much he was hurting. We were thrilled when he and his brother both qualified for Districts. Abe was a sophomore and Jake was a senior. We never knew we were watching both our sons' last high school matches that day.
BMX bike riding, along with jumping and even crashing was Abe's favorite liesure activity. Abe had just bought a new bike last spring when he got his first part-time job. He and that bike were one the summer of 2001. Townspeople recognized the boy with the faded, tattered Oakland A's cap on backwards, pedalling in and out of Schaefferstown or over to the high school. Brandon was an excellent cameraman, taping some of our last videos of Abe jumping the picnic table in our backyard and ramps at the Blauch's. Those two spent many, many hours on their bikes together. Friends forever.
Abe, all of us had so much more to look forward to. So very much that we will never know what was to be.
I can't believe we won't see you get your driver's license. Remember we always took a first day of school picture but this year I was going to take another first day, the first day of driving to school. There'll be no more summer jobs; no more football and wrestling camps; no senior pictures; no homecoming court, I know you would have been on it; no prom; no graduation. Daddy and I would have been crying but we would have been so proud to see you off to Marine boot camp. What was beyond that we can only imagine. But we know what is now. We know that now you are at peace with our Heavenly Father. We know that now we all greive and mourn for you; That the daily flow of tears will someday slow; That the pain in our hearts will be eased but never gone. We know that your family and friends will never, ever forget you. And most importantly we know that someday we will be together again.
The football team still wears their black "12" armbands. We're having the second annual Forever Friends Memorial Run. Thirty of your wrestling posters are hanging at the naval academy thanks to one of your classmates. You have a nine month old cousin whose name is Reilly. The entire ELCO student body will receive magnets with "your" quote to inspire them.
Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here
I feel you all around me
Your memories so clear
Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You're still an inspiration
Can it be(?)
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above
Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are
Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn't faith believing
All power can't be seen
As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday
'Cause you are mine
Forever love
Watching me from up above
And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave
Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are
I know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are
(Josh Groban - To Where You Are)
This song helps me some days to know that your are just one breath away, that one day we will be together again. How can the years go so quickly when so many nights are so long. I can't believe its already two years. We love you and miss you so very much.
Abram Reilly Wagner, 16, of Myerstown, RD 2, died Tuesday as a result of a vehicle accident in Jackson Twp. He was a junior at Eastern Lebanon High School, where he was a member of the varsity football and wrestling teams and qualified for the District 3 wrestling tournament last season. He was a member of Zion United Methodist Church, Schaefferstown, and enjoyed riding his BMX bike.
Surviving are his parents, Terry A. and Alice Horst Wagner, a brother Jacob H., attending the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, a sister Allison B. at home, his maternal grandparents, Earl and June Horst of Myerstown, RD 2, a paternal stepgrandfather, Henry Keeney of Myerstown, and aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Memorial services will be held at 1:30 pm Saturday in the ELCO High School auditorium. Burial will be in Schaefferstown Cemetery. Viewing will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday in Clauser Funeral Home, Schaefferstown. Memorial contributions may be made to the Abe Wagner Memorial Athletic Fund, c/o Northwest Bank, Attn: J.J.Valerio, 1 W. Main St., P.O.Box 406, Myerstown, PA 17067.
Abram Reilly Wagner was born 6:56am Wednesday April 24, 1985. He was several weeks early and was a little small weighing 4 lb. 6 oz. and was 18.5 in. long. But he was healthy and after he came home May 3 he began to gain weight quickly. Abe died 8:10pm Tuesday September 18, 2001. He weighed 158 lb. and was 5 ft 11.5 in. tall. Abe was pronounced dead at the scene of the auto accident. He was the front seat passenger wearing his seatbelt. One of his best friends Brandon Blauch died four days later. He was sitting behind Abe.
But now I want to tell you about the 16 years 4 months and 24 days in between.
Jake was happy to have a little brother and couldn't wait for him to become a playmate. The boys' pre-school years were fun. Living in the country we had lots of outdoor chores which the family did together. Often in order to get the gardening done or rake the leaves one of the little ones was in an old wooden playpen in the backyard with the family pets, a pair of faithful Labs staying close by. Allie was born when Jake was six and Abe was three. We were really blessed with this family and with our friends.
Now all three kids were together growing up. Together to harvest the giant pumpkins and enter them in the Harvest Fair. Together to jump in the leaves we raked. In later years the threesome had made a tradition of participating in the New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge. I was their moral support for that icy swim. We took family vacations to Vermont to see Aunt Betsy, Aunt Mary and her family and to the beach where we stayed with Aunt Susie and Jack. There was often a birthday party to go to at Uncle Steve's house since Abe had five cousins there. There were family reunions with the Wagners and picnics at Aunt Faye's. But the best were the picnics, dinners, and holidays at Grandma and Grandpa Horst's house. Everyone loved being there together. Everyone means 31 people filling the farmhouse kitchen and living room. What memorable times together at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Our last one being Labor Day. Most of the family was there and this picnic included our Jack Russell Terrier Mollie and her five puppies. One of the puppies, Boomer a male that we kept, has now had his name expanded to Boomer Reilly. Abe liked being with Grandma and Grandpa anytime. Living so close he often went down to help with heavy tasks. Abe never minded using his muscles for his grandparents.
Abe was a buddy, an athlete, a bit of a dare-devil and a sweetheart from the very beginning. Many of Abe's friendships started in kindergarden and continued into high school. So many sleepovers and birthday parties; soccer and baseball games, then midget football; the skateboard, rollerblades, snowboards, and always the BMX bike; trips to the doctor or ER for dog bites, a tooth knocked out, bike accidents; and then girlfriends, one or two in elementary but all through middle school there was a girl in Abe's life. He was president of the ELCO Middle School Student Council in 8th grade. One of his duties in that office was reading the Christmas Story from the Bible for the Choral Concert. He practiced so hard and read flawlessly in a loud and clear voice. He was always anxious to go to church camp. It didn't matter that he knew no one when he got there because he would have new friends when he left. His favorite camp was between 9th and 10th grade at Pocono Plateau for a week of whitewater rafting, mountain biking and rock climbing. Abe loved adventure camping and extreme sports.
Abe lived for friends and sports. He loved going to school because that's where it was all happening. He was a pretty decent student but in all honesty sports and friends had a higher priority than school work. He was so very well liked by so many people. Of course he had a best friend or several "best" friends and a steady girlfriend. Lots of kids called him their best friend. I just can't say it enough, Abe had so very many friends, I think we can say hundreds of friends. Adults, most teachers, and all coaches enjoyed Abe's polite, respectful company. A dedicated weight lifter he was considered "buff" by many girls.
Abe's smile was priceless. A smile that was a bit crooked as a result of a log hitting him in the mouth and knocking out a front tooth. That's a long story. But the crooked smile took on more character when Mollie bit him in the lip. Abe was only trying to kiss her good-night, but she was on Daddy's lap and overreacted to Abe's approach. So it was an imperfect smile that was oh so perfect. The quickness of his smile, the way that he shared it with everyone, and its unquestionable sincerity made Abe's smile so special.
Abram was taking College Prep courses but his plans were to join the US Marine Corps. I wanted him to have a Plan B, telling him he'd be a great elementary teacher, kind of like Kindergarden Cop. But he had decided to join the Marines about 6 years ago and really stuck with that dream.
Abe was Number 12 on the ELCO Varsity Football Team. He was looking forward to this season so much. He had worked very, very hard in the off-season in weight training. When two-a-days started he worked even harder, finishing first in the 12 minute run and being proud to be the first one at stations many times. He knew his place on the team. Coach Evans had given Abe some special team assignments and he was a second-string wide receiver. He loved that position and counted on being one of the top receivers his senior year. He had also learned the fun of defense. But a torn meniscus in the third game was a season-ending injury. Abe had surgery September 11, the day of the Attack on America. On September 16, Abe wrote the following in his internet Instant Messenger Info Box , ""ELCO Football 3-0" goin for 4 this friday!!! I may be out for the season, but i'll be back next year better than ever, you just wait!!!!" Abe was represented at that 4th game of the season by the 12 on every teammate's helmet and armbands worn by players and coaches.
Abe also had a promising wrestling career. ELCO's Varsity Wrestling Team was only in its second year when Abe was a freshman and brought up from junior high. I think Coach Miller saw his potential and wanted Abe training with him or maybe to make it easier on Mom and Dad because Abe's brother Jake was also a Varsity Wrestler. Abe learned quickly and was very strong. He listened to his coaches and learned from his mistakes. Abe never gave up in a match no matter what the score or how much he was hurting. We were thrilled when he and his brother both qualified for Districts. Abe was a sophomore and Jake was a senior. We never knew we were watching both our sons' last high school matches that day.
BMX bike riding, along with jumping and even crashing was Abe's favorite liesure activity. Abe had just bought a new bike last spring when he got his first part-time job. He and that bike were one the summer of 2001. Townspeople recognized the boy with the faded, tattered Oakland A's cap on backwards, pedalling in and out of Schaefferstown or over to the high school. Brandon was an excellent cameraman, taping some of our last videos of Abe jumping the picnic table in our backyard and ramps at the Blauch's. Those two spent many, many hours on their bikes together. Friends forever.
Abe, all of us had so much more to look forward to. So very much that we will never know what was to be.
I can't believe we won't see you get your driver's license. Remember we always took a first day of school picture but this year I was going to take another first day, the first day of driving to school. There'll be no more summer jobs; no more football and wrestling camps; no senior pictures; no homecoming court, I know you would have been on it; no prom; no graduation. Daddy and I would have been crying but we would have been so proud to see you off to Marine boot camp. What was beyond that we can only imagine. But we know what is now. We know that now you are at peace with our Heavenly Father. We know that now we all greive and mourn for you; That the daily flow of tears will someday slow; That the pain in our hearts will be eased but never gone. We know that your family and friends will never, ever forget you. And most importantly we know that someday we will be together again.
The football team still wears their black "12" armbands. We're having the second annual Forever Friends Memorial Run. Thirty of your wrestling posters are hanging at the naval academy thanks to one of your classmates. You have a nine month old cousin whose name is Reilly. The entire ELCO student body will receive magnets with "your" quote to inspire them.
Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here
I feel you all around me
Your memories so clear
Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You're still an inspiration
Can it be(?)
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above
Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are
Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn't faith believing
All power can't be seen
As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday
'Cause you are mine
Forever love
Watching me from up above
And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave
Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are
I know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are
(Josh Groban - To Where You Are)
This song helps me some days to know that your are just one breath away, that one day we will be together again. How can the years go so quickly when so many nights are so long. I can't believe its already two years. We love you and miss you so very much.
Surviving are his parents, Terry A. and Alice Horst Wagner, a brother Jacob H., attending the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, a sister Allison B. at home, his maternal grandparents, Earl and June Horst of Myerstown, RD 2, a paternal stepgrandfather, Henry Keeney of Myerstown, and aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Memorial services will be held at 1:30 pm Saturday in the ELCO High School auditorium. Burial will be in Schaefferstown Cemetery. Viewing will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday in Clauser Funeral Home, Schaefferstown. Memorial contributions may be made to the Abe Wagner Memorial Athletic Fund, c/o Northwest Bank, Attn: J.J.Valerio, 1 W. Main St., P.O.Box 406, Myerstown, PA 17067.
Abram Reilly Wagner was born 6:56am Wednesday April 24, 1985. He was several weeks early and was a little small weighing 4 lb. 6 oz. and was 18.5 in. long. But he was healthy and after he came home May 3 he began to gain weight quickly. Abe died 8:10pm Tuesday September 18, 2001. He weighed 158 lb. and was 5 ft 11.5 in. tall. Abe was pronounced dead at the scene of the auto accident. He was the front seat passenger wearing his seatbelt. One of his best friends Brandon Blauch died four days later. He was sitting behind Abe.
But now I want to tell you about the 16 years 4 months and 24 days in between.
Jake was happy to have a little brother and couldn't wait for him to become a playmate. The boys' pre-school years were fun. Living in the country we had lots of outdoor chores which the family did together. Often in order to get the gardening done or rake the leaves one of the little ones was in an old wooden playpen in the backyard with the family pets, a pair of faithful Labs staying close by. Allie was born when Jake was six and Abe was three. We were really blessed with this family and with our friends.
Now all three kids were together growing up. Together to harvest the giant pumpkins and enter them in the Harvest Fair. Together to jump in the leaves we raked. In later years the threesome had made a tradition of participating in the New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge. I was their moral support for that icy swim. We took family vacations to Vermont to see Aunt Betsy, Aunt Mary and her family and to the beach where we stayed with Aunt Susie and Jack. There was often a birthday party to go to at Uncle Steve's house since Abe had five cousins there. There were family reunions with the Wagners and picnics at Aunt Faye's. But the best were the picnics, dinners, and holidays at Grandma and Grandpa Horst's house. Everyone loved being there together. Everyone means 31 people filling the farmhouse kitchen and living room. What memorable times together at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Our last one being Labor Day. Most of the family was there and this picnic included our Jack Russell Terrier Mollie and her five puppies. One of the puppies, Boomer a male that we kept, has now had his name expanded to Boomer Reilly. Abe liked being with Grandma and Grandpa anytime. Living so close he often went down to help with heavy tasks. Abe never minded using his muscles for his grandparents.
Abe was a buddy, an athlete, a bit of a dare-devil and a sweetheart from the very beginning. Many of Abe's friendships started in kindergarden and continued into high school. So many sleepovers and birthday parties; soccer and baseball games, then midget football; the skateboard, rollerblades, snowboards, and always the BMX bike; trips to the doctor or ER for dog bites, a tooth knocked out, bike accidents; and then girlfriends, one or two in elementary but all through middle school there was a girl in Abe's life. He was president of the ELCO Middle School Student Council in 8th grade. One of his duties in that office was reading the Christmas Story from the Bible for the Choral Concert. He practiced so hard and read flawlessly in a loud and clear voice. He was always anxious to go to church camp. It didn't matter that he knew no one when he got there because he would have new friends when he left. His favorite camp was between 9th and 10th grade at Pocono Plateau for a week of whitewater rafting, mountain biking and rock climbing. Abe loved adventure camping and extreme sports.
Abe lived for friends and sports. He loved going to school because that's where it was all happening. He was a pretty decent student but in all honesty sports and friends had a higher priority than school work. He was so very well liked by so many people. Of course he had a best friend or several "best" friends and a steady girlfriend. Lots of kids called him their best friend. I just can't say it enough, Abe had so very many friends, I think we can say hundreds of friends. Adults, most teachers, and all coaches enjoyed Abe's polite, respectful company. A dedicated weight lifter he was considered "buff" by many girls.
Abe's smile was priceless. A smile that was a bit crooked as a result of a log hitting him in the mouth and knocking out a front tooth. That's a long story. But the crooked smile took on more character when Mollie bit him in the lip. Abe was only trying to kiss her good-night, but she was on Daddy's lap and overreacted to Abe's approach. So it was an imperfect smile that was oh so perfect. The quickness of his smile, the way that he shared it with everyone, and its unquestionable sincerity made Abe's smile so special.
Abram was taking College Prep courses but his plans were to join the US Marine Corps. I wanted him to have a Plan B, telling him he'd be a great elementary teacher, kind of like Kindergarden Cop. But he had decided to join the Marines about 6 years ago and really stuck with that dream.
Abe was Number 12 on the ELCO Varsity Football Team. He was looking forward to this season so much. He had worked very, very hard in the off-season in weight training. When two-a-days started he worked even harder, finishing first in the 12 minute run and being proud to be the first one at stations many times. He knew his place on the team. Coach Evans had given Abe some special team assignments and he was a second-string wide receiver. He loved that position and counted on being one of the top receivers his senior year. He had also learned the fun of defense. But a torn meniscus in the third game was a season-ending injury. Abe had surgery September 11, the day of the Attack on America. On September 16, Abe wrote the following in his internet Instant Messenger Info Box , ""ELCO Football 3-0" goin for 4 this friday!!! I may be out for the season, but i'll be back next year better than ever, you just wait!!!!" Abe was represented at that 4th game of the season by the 12 on every teammate's helmet and armbands worn by players and coaches.
Abe also had a promising wrestling career. ELCO's Varsity Wrestling Team was only in its second year when Abe was a freshman and brought up from junior high. I think Coach Miller saw his potential and wanted Abe training with him or maybe to make it easier on Mom and Dad because Abe's brother Jake was also a Varsity Wrestler. Abe learned quickly and was very strong. He listened to his coaches and learned from his mistakes. Abe never gave up in a match no matter what the score or how much he was hurting. We were thrilled when he and his brother both qualified for Districts. Abe was a sophomore and Jake was a senior. We never knew we were watching both our sons' last high school matches that day.
BMX bike riding, along with jumping and even crashing was Abe's favorite liesure activity. Abe had just bought a new bike last spring when he got his first part-time job. He and that bike were one the summer of 2001. Townspeople recognized the boy with the faded, tattered Oakland A's cap on backwards, pedalling in and out of Schaefferstown or over to the high school. Brandon was an excellent cameraman, taping some of our last videos of Abe jumping the picnic table in our backyard and ramps at the Blauch's. Those two spent many, many hours on their bikes together. Friends forever.
Abe, all of us had so much more to look forward to. So very much that we will never know what was to be.
I can't believe we won't see you get your driver's license. Remember we always took a first day of school picture but this year I was going to take another first day, the first day of driving to school. There'll be no more summer jobs; no more football and wrestling camps; no senior pictures; no homecoming court, I know you would have been on it; no prom; no graduation. Daddy and I would have been crying but we would have been so proud to see you off to Marine boot camp. What was beyond that we can only imagine. But we know what is now. We know that now you are at peace with our Heavenly Father. We know that now we all greive and mourn for you; That the daily flow of tears will someday slow; That the pain in our hearts will be eased but never gone. We know that your family and friends will never, ever forget you. And most importantly we know that someday we will be together again.
The football team still wears their black "12" armbands. We're having the second annual Forever Friends Memorial Run. Thirty of your wrestling posters are hanging at the naval academy thanks to one of your classmates. You have a nine month old cousin whose name is Reilly. The entire ELCO student body will receive magnets with "your" quote to inspire them.
Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here
I feel you all around me
Your memories so clear
Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You're still an inspiration
Can it be(?)
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above
Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are
Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn't faith believing
All power can't be seen
As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday
'Cause you are mine
Forever love
Watching me from up above
And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave
Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are
I know you're there
A breath away's not far
To where you are
(Josh Groban - To Where You Are)
This song helps me some days to know that your are just one breath away, that one day we will be together again. How can the years go so quickly when so many nights are so long. I can't believe its already two years. We love you and miss you so very much.
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
