Harley Wagler, 81, died Sept. 30 at Hutchinson Hospital following a short bout with cancer. He was born Sept. 9, 1941, in Hutchinson to Raymond and Fannie (Mast) Wagler.

Harley grew up on a dairy farm in Partridge and showed an early love of animals and living creatures.  But perhaps his strongest affections were kindled when he, acting on a tip from a local librarian, discovered the world of Slavic literature in the writings of Fyodor Dostoevsky.  Harley sometimes remained in the haymow after chores to read yet another chapter of Dostoevsky.

Harley's life combined scholarship with service to others.  At age 20 he went to Costa Rica for a term of alternative service under Conservative Mennonite Conference.  Harley later studied at the University of Kansas and the University of Pennsylvania, and he worked in Yugoslavia with Eastern Mennonite Missions.  A golden chapter in his life was a stint in Bulgaria on a Fulbright Scholarship.

Harley directed the Russian Studies Program in Nizhnii Novgorod, Russia, from 1993 until it closed in 2010. Harley then continued teaching at a Russian university until 2021, when he returned to his beloved roots in Partridge. He was a lifelong member of Plainview Mennonite Church.

Harley was a caring and gentle man who loved interacting with all those he met. He had a wide range of friends and connected easily with children. His fondness for animals led to many adventures, and he became a walking encyclopedia on animal, bird, and insect behavior. He was grounded in a strong faith and lived a simple, honest life. He was a generous man and considered his work rebuilding churches in Russia as one of his greatest accomplishments.

Survivors include: his siblings, Paul Wagler (Ellen), Wichita, Ruth Miller (Roman), Partridge, Philip Wagler, Hutchinson, Eldon Wagler (Jane), Lusaka, Zambia, and Duane Wagler, Colorado Springs; beloved goddaughter, Nastia Oleneva, godson, Aleksei James Black; and 13 nephews and nieces.

Harley was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother, Elizabeth Wagler, sister-in-law, Rose Ella Wagler and nephew Stanley Wagler.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 3, 2022, and the funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, at Plainview Mennonite Church, 5610 West Trail West Road, Hutchinson.

Memorials may be made to Mennonite Friendship Communities, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.