Alberta M. Wagner

Alberta M. Wagner, 89, former Ashland resident, passed away Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Orwigsburg Center, Orwigsburg.  Born at the former Ashland State General Hospital, Fountain Springs, she was the daughter of the late Victor and Marion (Dibello) Kulengosky.  Alberta was a graduate of the former Butler Township High School, Fountain Springs, class of 1955, and was employed as a sewing machine operator for Reidler Mills of Ashland, and Mt. Carmel Fashions of Mt. Carmel, until her retirement.  She was a member of the former Saint Mauritius Roman Catholic Church, Ashland, where she was the Leader of Song and church Lector.  Active with her church, she volunteered her time for many functions and painted numerous ceramic pieces to be raffled as a fundraiser.  Alberta married James C. Wagner, September 2, 1956, they were married 52 years, he was the love of life.  At age 15, she started the band “Rhythm and Pals”, playing at local venues.  She also played with the “Rockets” and later sang with “Born For Us” chorus.  Alberta joined WPPA radio personality “Willie Whistle” playing and singing on his program.  She traveled promoting WPPA interviewing many country artists at the Grand Ole Opry.  Alberta was an area Girl Scout Leader for 15 years giving opportunities to area girls to enjoy community projects and the outdoors at Summer Day Camps and visits to Camp Louise Penns Woods Girl Scout Camp.  She loved nature, gardening, and, Country music, but nothing could compare to her beloved dachshunds and her grandchildren.  Alberta and her husband Jim were avid outdoorsmen enjoying fishing and camping.  She was preceded in death by siblings; Mary and David Kulengosky, Theresa (Kulengosky) Polnasek, and Irene (Kulengosky) Yasenchak.

Survivors;

Daughter:  Heidi (Wagner) wife of Scott Lapachinsky, Pottsville

Grandchildren:  Grant and Grace Lapachinsky, Pottsville

Brother:  Charles Kulengosky and his wife Diane, Homesville

Brother:  Phillip Kulengosky and his wife Pam, Mission Viejo, CA

Many Nieces and Nephews, and great nieces and nephews

She shared a special bond with her nieces Pamela LePre and Ann Marie Nasek, and her longtime helper and honorary grandson, Gerald Schlegel.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 11:30 AM with Father Guency Isaac as Celebrant.  A visitation in the church will begin at 10:30 AM until time of Mass. An internment service will follow at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, 60 Indiantown Gap Road, Annville, PA.  Memorials may be made to the Hillside S.P.C.A., 51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, PA.  17901.  Condolences may be made to www. Fritzfuneralhome.com.

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