Arlan "Axle" C. and Benita B. Wagner

The romance of Arlan "Axle" and Benita began in 1952. They were married on January 5, 1952. On August 2, 2026, after 74 years of marriage, they left our world together for the next chapter of their relationship.

Their love story was one of unwavering devotion, shared faith, and a lifetime of adventures. Together they built a home centered on family, service, and love, creating memories that will be treasured for generations.

Arlan C. Wagner, born March 14, 1932, and Benita B. (Ney) Wagner, born December 6, 1933, both passed away on August 2, 2026.

Arlan and Benita shared a passion for travel, visiting all 50 states as well as destinations abroad. Whether exploring new places or simply spending time with family, they cherished every moment they shared together. Their greatest joy was being surrounded by their children, grandchildren, and loved ones.

Faith was the foundation of their lives. They were lifelong, active members of Bern Reformed United Church of Christ, where they faithfully served in numerous capacities over the years. Together they sang in the church choir and devoted countless hours to the life and ministry of their church.

Arlan dedicated much of his life to serving his community. In 1977, he became a member of Lodge No. 62, Free and Accepted Masons, and attained the 32nd Degree. He became a Shriner in 1978, where he proudly played the drums with the Shrine Band and served as the band's bard for 37 years. One of his favorite memories was traveling with the Shrine Band to New Orleans, where they delighted crowds with an impromptu street performance. Arlan was also a longtime member of the Mt. Pleasant Fire Company, serving as its Chief Engineer for decades.

Benita devoted herself to both her family and her community. She proudly served as Justice of the Peace for Penn Township, where she was respected for her fairness, compassion, and dedication to those she served.

Arlan was preceded in death by his parents, John Wagner and Florence (Bagenstose) Wagner. Benita was preceded in death by her parents, Yen Ney and Ellen (Boyer) Ney. Together, they were preceded in death by their beloved son, Daniel L. Wagner.

They leave behind a loving family who will forever cherish their memories: their children, George A. Wagner (husband of Dorothy) of Bernville, Pennsylvania, Wanda F. Masias (Wagner) of Irvine, California, and Terry L. Wagner of Mohrsville, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Alec T. Wagner (husband of Donna) of Christiansburg, Virginia, Andrew J. Wagner (husband of Jessica) of Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania, Kaitlyn R. Wagner of Mohrsville, Pennsylvania, and Leland Masias; along with many extended family members and dear friends.

A Memorial Service celebrating the lives of Arlan and Benita will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Bern Reformed United Church of Christ, 3196 Bernville Road, Leesport, PA 19533, with Rev. Jim Roth officiating. There will be no public visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bern Reformed United Church of Christ, 3196 Bernville Road, Leesport, PA 19533, in memory of Arlan and Benita.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kirkhoff Funeral Home, Bernville, which is honored to care for the Wagner family during this time.

Though their earthly journey has ended, the love they shared for more than seven decades remains an enduring testament to faithfulness, partnership, and unconditional love. Their legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved them.